SIONE Mata'utia captained the Newcastle Knights, remains the youngest ever Kanagroos' representative and most recently enjoyed a silverware streak for English club St Helens capped off by the World Club Challenge.
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The 28-year-old has now officially brought an end to his professional career with a "grateful heart and unforgettable memories".
Mata'utia made the announcement via social media over the weekend.
"Ending my professional career with a grateful heart and unforgettable memories," Mata'utia said via an emotional post.
"Today I close an unforgettable chapter in my life, announcing my retirement from professional rugby league.
"This journey has been nothing short of incredible, filled with challenges, triumphs and the unwavering support of my family, teammates, coaches and fans."
Tributes followed and included messages of support from the likes of Kurt Gidley, Mitchell Pearce, Akuila Uate, Tyson Frizell and Bradman Best.
Mata'utia was born in Sydney but growing up, having relocated to the Hunter region with his family, became involved at both the South Newcastle and Raymond Terrace clubs.
He's the youngest of four, footy-playing brothers - Peter, Chanel and Pat.
Mata'utia made 124 NRL appearances, all for the Knights, between 2014 and 2020.
He also represented Samoa in 2017.
Starting out as a fullback and winger, Mata'utia eventually shifted to the centres and later second-row, often switching between the roles.
His maiden match as captain of hometown Newcastle came early in 2017, aged 20, scoring a double two rounds later in a 34-20 win over Canberra.
Mata'utia, plagued by concussion issues, was granted a release by the Knights following a COVID-impacted 2020.
He travelled overseas and joined English Super League club St Helens, lining up 85 times between 2021 and 2024.
Mata'utia claimed back-to-back premierships (2021, 2022), was part of a successful Challenge Cup campaign (2021) and helped knock off all-conquering Penrith in the World Club Challenge (2023).
His last outing for St Helens was a little over a month ago, going down narrowly to Warrington in an elimination semi.
"The lessons learned, friendships made and memories created will forever be a part of who I am," Mata'utia said.
"Thank you to everyone who believed in me and pushed me to be my best.
"While this chapter ends, I look forward to new opportunities and continuing to give back to the sport that has given me so much.
"Onward to the next adventure. Peace and love."
On the field over the weekend and Knights representative Phoenix Crossland crossed for his first Test try but New Zealand were pipped 25-24 by Tonga in a thriller.
Crossland, enjoying consecutive starts at hooker for the Kiwis, made a game-high 44 tackles in Auckland on Saturday night and scored backing up to close the gap to eight points shortly before being replaced in the 65th minute.
Newcastle prop Leo Thompson, free to talk with rivals clubs as of November 1 amid his twin brother now officially signing at the club, returned from suspension at lock and bookended the clash with 36 minutes in total.
Last year's Pacific Championship winners now fall short of the upcoming decider against Australia with Tonga's Isaiya Katoa landing a field goal to break the deadlock in the 76th minute.
Knights second-rower Kai Pearce-Paul, also off contract at the end of 2025, didn't back up for England's second Test against visiting Samoa.
Reports emerged Pearce-Paul missed the 34-16 victory at Headingley on Sunday morning (AEDT) with a calf injury, handing friend and Super League's young player of the year Junior Nsemba an international debut.
