Matt Utai no longer contracted to Young

JUST months after announcing one of the most exciting recruits in Group Nine history, Young has disclosed New Zealand international Matt Utai is no longer joining the club.President Steve Woolford announced that Utai had signed with the club on Christmas Eve, however yesterday captain-coach Brent Crisp admitted the Canterbury star was no longer contracted to Young.With Utai suffering a number of family and personal issues, in a selfless act of kindness Crisp said the club had encouraged the State of Origin star "to stay in Sydney and work things out"."He just couldn't come to Young anymore," Crisp said."He is having some family trouble and when I spoke to him I just said how about you just stay in Sydney and work things out and don't worry about trying to come down here."Crisp admitted the loss of Utai had rattled the club, with the former NRL premiership-winning player expected to be an instrumental factor in a rejuvenated Young line-up."Everyone was a bit unsettled when they found out he wasn't coming anymore," he said."He is a big loss but everyone has trained the house down and even though Matty (Utai) can't come, it will now free up a spot for a local player."Rumours have also emerged that Bulldogs are looking at re-signing the pocket-rocket winger for the 2010, which could have swayed his decision to remain in Sydney.The situation has a striking resemblance to the misfortune of Wagga club Kangaroos, who lost newly-signed captain-coach Bryan Norrie to Melbourne Storm.The shock signing of Utai was expected to help lift Young off the Group Nine scrap heap, with rival clubs firming the Cherrypickers as and early premiership favourite.Crisp has refused to allow suggestion Young will be in trouble without Utai, remaining confident in the depth of talent at club.He is adamant the club deserves the early favouritism."I am quietly confident with how we are going," he said."I am confident we will be in the finals at the end of the season; with obviously the grand final is the ultimate goal."