Bennett banned the teenager from speaking to the media after his hat-trick performance during the Knights’ 28-22 win over the Warriors.
After a standout performance in the Knights’ 28-22 over the Warriors on Sunday, Sione Mata’utia was the boy everyone wanted to speak to.
In just his fourth NRL game, the 18-year-old scored a hat-trick in yet another giant-killing win by the Knights.
But after having produced such a fine display, Knights coach Wayne Bennett banned the youngster from talking to media.
“He doesn’t need the bullshit at 18,” Bennett said.
Bennett himself didn’t seem too worried himself about pumping Mata’utia up, saying he one would day captain the club.
“He has wonderful attributes and the great thing about him is I imagine, one day, he’ll captain the Knights and be a great player here for them for all his career,” he said.
He’s played fullback for us, his preferred position is centre (and) he was great on the wing today.
“It’s a long way away for him but I’m sure that’s where he’ll be heading.”
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