Matai stops Proctor in his tracks

Steve Matai shapes as an ominous obstacle for an opponent in the NRL and Dean Whare has gone to great lengths to sidestep a mentor who was blocking his advancement as a professional footballer. Although the Rotorua-born 23-year-old played 20 matches ...

Source: NewsLocal SEA Eagles centre Steve Matai has declared he won't change his aggressive defensive style when he returns to the side on Monday night after serving a one-game suspension. And Matai, one of the NRL's most physically intimidating ...

Mount Albert Grammar might not sound like a school with a fearsome rugby league team but it has produced arguably the two biggest hitters in the game today. Manly's Steve Matai, who returns from a one-game ban for a high shot on South Sydney's ...

Steve Matai, at training yesterday, is looking forward to taking on his old mate Williams at Brookvale Oval next Monday Picture: Simon Cocksedge Source: The Daily Telegraph BROOKVALE Oval is no place for a school reunion, but that's exactly what ...

Which brings me to Steve Matai's tackle on young George Burgess that has caused so much debate this week. I'll admit I'm with Geoff Toovey on this one - I reckon it was a ripper, and I don't believe Matai should have been suspended for it. I get the ...

Sam Burgess has labelled the tackle that landed Steve Matai a one-match ban "a fair hit" and admits he started throwing punches because his brother George was lying flat on his back. Burgess's frank admission will further infuriate Manly Sea Eagles ...

Manly will be without prop Richie Fa'aoso and centre Steve Matai for Monday's NRL clash with St George Illawarra after both accepted early guilty pleas on Tuesday. Matai was charged with a grade one careless high tackle on South Sydney's George ...

Burgess' frank admission will further infuriate Manly after they entered early guilty pleas for both Matai and Richie Fa'aoso yesterday - but not before coach Geoff Toovey unloaded on the judiciary process and match officials. Manly will be without ...

Matai was charged with a grade one careless high tackle on South Sydney's George Burgess in last Friday night's loss at Brookvale Oval. The hit, in which Matai's arm appeared to slip up off the ball toward Burgess's head, sparked a brawl. Coach ...