Rugby League: Matautia quits over unfair treatment

St Helen's Samoan rugby league forward Vila Matautia is to retire because of what he claims is persecution by British disciplinary chiefs.

Matautia, who was in the side which beat the Brisbane Broncos in the world club challenge two months ago, returns from a four-match suspension today.

But he said he would quit the game in October, claiming unfair treatment by the league disciplinary committee.

His career has been blighted by what officials have termed over-aggressive tackling.

Matautia, who has played club football in New Zealand, represented Western Samoa in the 1995 World Cup and played for the US in last year's qualifying tournament.