Mata'utia released by Dragons

Peter Mata'utia has been granted a release from St George Illawarra, seemingly paving a way for him to return to Newcastle.

Mata'utia, whose three brothers Sione, Pat and Chanel are all contracted at the Knights, made his NRL debut for Newcastle in 2011.

The centre played six games at the club before shifting to the Dragons in 2013, where he scored 11 tries in 35 games before his release on Wednesday.

"Peter has requested an early release from his present contract which has been granted to take up another opportunity," said Dragons recruitment manager Ian Millward.