Maitua maturing to get Eels back on track

http://www.nrl.com/maitua-maturing-to-get-eels-back-on-track/tabid/10874/newsid/68753/default.aspxThe prospect of being one of Parramatta's oldest NRL players next year doesn't sit well with Reni Maitua.But the Eels forward is relishing the chance to be a leader in the squad once Nathan Hindmarsh and Luke Burt hang up their well-worn boots at season's end.The 29-year-old admits his return to the NRL last season after a two-year drug ban has been bittersweet given the Eels' consistently poor performances and last placing on the ladder."I've been back a while now and frustration has started to creep in - no one wants to be in this position," Maitua said."I certainly don't want to have this year again next year."Although not wanting to put 2012 behind him just yet, Maitua is already looking ahead to next season for redemption.And it all starts with Saturday's match against ladder-leaders Melbourne."I think it's extremely important that we go in the right direction over the next six weeks, not just starting on November 1 when we come back to (off-season) training," he said."We've all had a frustrating year and there's certainly things I'm looking forward to working on over the pre-season and moving into next year."Personally, I've got a feel for the players around me now and I've got some ideas of who I'd like to work with in regards to building combinations and things that might work for us."With his 30th birthday fast approaching and 12 months' experience at the Eels under his belt, Maitua said it was inevitable that he'd be seen by his younger teammates as a leader in the absence of Hindmarsh and Burt."It's sort of a responsibility you don't want to have," he said."I feel like sometimes I'm one of the youngest blokes in the team. I joke around and like to hang out with the younger boys."But it's a time where you've got to realise that you're being looked up to as a leader and that's something I'm still working on."It's also something that I'm actually looking forward to."Staying injury-free is Maitua's top priority over the last seven rounds, as is avoiding the wooden spoon for the sake of his captain and mentor Hindmarsh."Hindy's someone I've looked up to my whole career and a wooden spoon is not the way I want to send him out," he said.Maitua is contracted to the Eels until the end of 2013.

"Great preview HOE, really enjoy them. Thanks a lot. I think the comment above by NOS could not be truer in that "We can see the fight & improvement, but, feel the players need a result to show for it."
Such a win I think, would be a huge confidence…"

"Hopgood this is your coming out party I recall a year 1 for you and the Phins in Brisbane where we put 40 on them in a half and Jmaine you were the catalyst.We need a foward to stand up and show us the way Jmaine I'm looking at you.
I'm also looking…"

Replies

HH - Love You Iongi Time! July 19, 2012 at 3:24pm

He needs to lift his game bigger than a gold medal winning olympic weightlifter.
He is looking a little bit more dangerous in attack but his defence is dreadful.
Mac5733 July 19, 2012 at 3:55pm

Anyone remember that there was going to be a documentary on maitua coming back from his ban from drug use.
And he was training in the jungle or some crazy shit???
- Trucker Eel > Mac5733 July 19, 2012 at 4:24pm
  
  Thailand doing muay Thai training

This reply was deleted.

Eels Blogs

Maitua maturing to get Eels back on track

Replies

More stuff to read

Eels blogs

Matterson given permission to speak to rival clubs.

Sandon Smith? Roosters letting him go

R10 Game Day Blog: Can we keep the Fins at Bay?

David Fifita being shopped to rival clubs 👀

Note: this page contains paid content.

Social Blogs

Jim Sarantinos on SEN: Moses an outside chance before R9

Highest score

Cyclone Alfred

OLD MEN CAN THINK QUICK WHEN THEY NEED TO

Note: this page contains paid content.