Reni Maitua and Ben Roberts updates!

SEVEN weeks before he returns to rugby league, Reni Maitua is holding his breath - literally

To prepare for his second coming at Parramatta, the 29-year-old has been making regular trips to the Gold Coast for a radical training regime that has a marked effect on his fitness.

Under the watch of Robina-based guru Nam Baldwin - who once trained Pat Rafter - Maitua spends up to a minute immersed in a pool to deprive himself of oxygen. While still fatigued, he performs agility tests such as catching a tennis ball. The point is to teach Maitua how to control his breathing and nervous system.The former international was surprised when we contacted him about the story, and wanted to keep it under wraps.

But as Parramatta wait for Maitua's two-year drugs ban to expire on May 19, Eels insiders are receiving fantastic reports about his dedication to making the most of what could be his last chance in the NRL.Not only has he made several trips to Muay Thai camps in Thailand, Maitua also does weekly sprint training with fitness guru Roger Fabri. And he's still on duty as a life guard in the eastern suburbs.

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CANTERBURY have shut down any chance of Ben Roberts getting an NRL start elsewhere this season.

It's understood Gold Coast and Cronulla were keen to rescue the Kiwi international from NSW Cup purgatory behind new halves combo Kris Keating and Trent Hodkinson.

Roberts' manager fronted the Bulldogs earlier this week about the 25-year-old's first grade prospects.

While no release was requested, the club made it clear Roberts would be staying put after he sat out most of last season injured but on full pay.

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http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/reni-maituas-bizarre-training-ritual/story-e6frexnr-1226031651550?from=public_js

"Hi Coryn I still haven,t managed to watch the game so much happening at home. I like many aspects of how we played against Wests and thought if they could build on that game with consistency we could end up with a decent season. JAC I think adds a…"

"I have said from day one that I don't get what Ryles sees in Kautago? He is ordinary to say the least. Lane was playing like he didn't want to be there thus I his leave from the game. Tuilagi defence is nothing short of woeful. Meanwhile Ryles won't…"

"I agree with Roy & yourself Coryn, it's a massive weakness for us. I don't agree with Fifita being the answer however, we dont need anymore overpaid & underperforming players. Fifita has always been such. I think the fact that Slater wasn't a fan &…"

Replies

eels fan forever April 1, 2011 at 3:27am

Just read this myself, and tbh i can't wait till reni is back he will really give us that x factor
Prof. Daz April 1, 2011 at 4:10am

I can't say I know too much about Maitua, aside from others saying he might be able to fill a number of positions from second row, to centre, to even 5/8.

Where would people think he might slot in, if he was to make first grade? What is it that people think he might offer?
eels fan forever April 1, 2011 at 5:52am

I think he might be wasted as a 2nd rower, put him in the centers with reddy and he will do wonders
- LegendTHECROWEELS > eels fan forever April 1, 2011 at 6:11am
  
  Cant wait to see Reni in the B&G. He will be the X factor and give us more grunt
Craig April 1, 2011 at 7:12am

we won't see Reni in the NRL to at least late June, by then our season may be already over if we keep playing like we have been.
ParraPride April 1, 2011 at 11:25am

Can't wait for maitua to come back

he can play lock/5-8/centres and maybe even wing

Good Versatile player :)
Ace Eel April 1, 2011 at 6:37pm

If roberts wants to stay a dog...he won't be doing it in 1st grade.....just seems the dogs can sign who they like..& retain who they like....must have a bloodly good club accountant .....
ParraPride April 1, 2011 at 6:40pm

good to hear reni is putting the hard yards for his comeback to nrl :)

he will be an awesome player this year

someone to help hayne spark the team to life :)
Fyno April 2, 2011 at 3:12am

He will most probably be coming in as a 2nd row of the bench, though I would prefer to see him at either lock or centre, but with Horo hopefully regaining the Lock position back soon, Maitua can come in as a strike centre!
KingEel April 2, 2011 at 6:06am

I can't wait to see him rip in. It's a credit to him that he has turned it all around. I think he will kill it cause he must have a point to prove to a lot of people, and probably himself.