Peter Mata’utia aiming to displace younger brother Pat in Newcastle centres.

RETURNING Knight Peter Mata’utia is angling for a first grade spot but he’ll have to overcome the challenge of his younger brother Pat first.

Peter Mata'utia on the attack for St George. Parramatta Eels Vs St George Illawarra Dragons at Pirtek Stadium on Saturday 27th June 2015. Pic: Mitch Cameron

NEW recruit Peter Mata’utia will go head to head with brother Pat at Newcastle Knights training on Friday with the pair vying for the same centre spot against Manly on Anzac Day.

The eldest of the Mata’utia brothers was reunited with the club that gave him his NRL start on Wednesday after he was granted an immediate release from St George Illawarra after more than two seasons at the club.

“It was a bit hard at first,” Mata’utia said of his decision to leave the Dragons.

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“Mary (Dragons coach Paul McGregor) wanted me to stay and wanted me to challenge for that centre spot but he also knew I was a first grader and I deserved to play first grade.

“Thankfully for me, he let me go and I’m able to come back home and play.

“When I was off contract last year, I tried to come back home and it didn’t happen but I guess everything happens for a reason and it’s good to be back home now.”

Mata’utia said he ran his decision by his brothers first to get their tick of approval but is unsure if he will come straight into the side on Monday for the Eagles clash.

Mata’utia previously played at Newcastle from 2011-12.

“As far as I know, my brothers are happy to have me back and they are looking forward to playing with me,” he said.

“I’ll leave that all up to Browny and the coaching staff and we will go from there.”

Originally published as Peter Mata’utia aiming to displace younger brother Pat in Newcastle centres.