ON Thursday, it will be all business when brothers Peter and Sione Mata’utia clash on the field.

As Peter’s Warrington Wolves side take on Sione’s St Helens, all of their focus will be on getting two crucial competition points for their sides.

It will not be the first time they have been in opposition, but it is always a poignant moment whenever they do meet.

Wire centre and elder brother Peter, 31, has been open in the past about how he took responsibility for his six siblings as a youngster having witnessed domestic violence growing up.

From that point, he says rugby league was his and his family’s only saviour and from there to both brothers performing on some of the biggest stages the game has to offer, it has been quite a journey.

“I was never educated as a kid on mental health or what a positive mindset was. I was lucky I was strong enough to get through all of those challenges,” Mata’utia said.

“Seeing Mum struggle working two jobs and going to sleep on no food sometimes, for me I didn’t want my younger siblings to go through what I did.

“If you get a chance to speak to Sione, he won’t remember any of that stuff. All I wanted to be was a good role model for my siblings.

“I had to make it in rugby league. A lot of people wanted to make it but I had to.

“From my point of view, it was the only way my family could survive and I could change the way we lived.

“I wanted them to see my mistakes. I never hid anything from them.

“Looking at it now, they’ve all got beautiful kids and are living happy lives so I’d like to think I’ve done pretty good.”

On facing his younger brother, he said: “I don’t like him this much this week!

Warrington Guardian:

Peter Mata'utia's younger brother Sione plays for Thursday's opponents St Helens. Picture by SWPix.com

“It’s great to have him over here, he’s still young and he’s in a great system. I love seeing him happy.

“Me and him are probably the closest of all our siblings and it’s cool to have a family member over here.

“My mum hates it when we play against each other! I’ve always said to him that whoever’s on the opposite side isn’t your friend for those 80 minutes.

“I love playing against him and I love playing against Saints. It’s always very tough and challenging as they push you for 80 minutes.

“Playing against Mark Percival is a good one for me – he’s probably my favourite centre in the comp.

“I’m looking forward to it – we’re at home as well so hopefully we can have a good turnout.”

Having followed head coach Daryl Powell in joining The Wire from Castleford Tigers during the close-season, Mata’utia is the only player in the squad to have started every game this season.

Of late, their stuttering season has taken yet another dip having suffered back-to-back heavy defeats against Wigan Warriors and Catalans Dragons.

Warrington Guardian:

Mata'utia is the only player to start every Wire game this season. Picture by SWPix.com

Things do not get any easier for Powell’s men as league leaders Saints come calling on Thursday, with another loss having the potential to leave them further adrift of the play-off spots.

However, Mata’utia remains adamant his side can still be in the post-season shake-up.

“There’s no doubt in my mind that we can make the top six,” he said.

“It’s in our own hands really but I’m pretty optimistic we can do it. From there, anything’s possible.

“Camp’s still good – obviously the results aren’t happening for us at the moment but we’re enjoying coming into work every day.

“We’re not purposely going out there to lose.

“It is a new transition – the boys who have been here for a while are trying to get accustomed to it.

“Unfortunately for us of late, we’ve had the best three teams in the competition back-to-back.”