Steve Matai 2020: Former Manly Sea Eagles star responds to missing team events
His disappearance from Manly’s inner circle sparked concern among his former teammates, now Steve Matai has had his say.
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Manly’s reclusive former star centre Steve Matai has stepped out of obscurity to declaring he had “moved on” from rugby league and wanted his privacy respected.
The Daily Telegraph revealed this week that Matai had totally disconnected from rugby league, Manly and his former Sea Eagles teammates, despite a stellar 230-game career at Brookvale which included two premierships.
In a statement, published by his wife Kate to the Manly Sea Eagles Supporters Group page on social media, Matai questioned why his introverted lifestyle had become newsworthy.
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The Daily Telegraph only decided to pursue the story after former teammates expressed concerns that Matai had totally removed himself from the Sea Eagles.
His old Manly mates just wanted him back in the fold and attending player reunions, to celebrate his contribution to the club’s most recent golden generation.
Several ex-teammates had repeatedly failed in their attempts to contact the former New Zealand Test centre. No-one was critical of Matai’s choice for a new life on the NSW north coast. It was as simple as one teammate said, “we miss him.”
“Please know that I choose to live my life the way I want to and I have no concerns about how other people think I should live my life or who I should be in contact with,” Matai said in his statement.
“Yes, I am a very private person. I don’t have social media and it is factual that I’m not a fan of the cameras and limelight.
“All I wanted to do was play footy. I gave everything I had when I crossed that white chalk – mind and body. My style of play is a testament to that. Run hard, tackle harder, never back down.
“I very much enjoyed my football career and all the awesome teammates I had the privilege to play alongside. But I believe, however, that my time in football has finished and I’ve moved on to the next chapter in my life, a much quieter one!
“I wish everyone else, in particular, these so-called reporters and “unknown sources” would do the same. To the Manly faithful and my supporters, I’m great and doing well.
“Since retirement, I’ve dedicated my time and effort to my family and the happiness and fulfilment they give me. I appreciate the support during my time as a football player.
“I have all the great memories I had at the club and I will always be a Manly boy for life! Literally, I am a life member – whether I am still connected to the club at this present time or not!!
“Please respect my privacy and the way I want to live my life!!
“I am living happily and enjoying life in our community with my beautiful wife and children. Accept this and move on.”
He signed out with his nickname and jumper number.
“Skivi. #4 Out.” he wrote.
Manly hope Matai will attend next year’s ten year reunion of the 2011 premiership-winning side.
They aren’t confident though.
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