THERE was a time when Reni Maitua found leadership as difficult as walking away from a scrap.
How times have changed.
As the most reputed player in tonight's trial between Parramatta and Newcastle in Armidale, Maitua knows what to expect from an opposition team of unheralded NSW Cup players.
"I'm actually more nervous than any time coming into a game" he said. "It's nerve-racking coming up against fringe first-graders, because they're all going to want to take out the bloke who's played a bit of NRL.
"I know that's what I'd be doing if I were younger, anyway. So I'm expecting there to be a few fireworks."
But Maitua is no stranger to unwanted attention from cocky upstarts this off-season.
Just before Christmas the 30-year-old's maturity was sorely tested when he was allegedly blind-sided by 18-year-old clubmate Shaun Anderson following an argument outside a Kings Cross nightclub.
Contrary to his blue-collar upbringing, Maitua did not retaliate and reported the incident to Parramatta officials. Given his past and Bra Boys connection, the Eels hierarchy was pleasantly surprised. But Maitua admits he needed the help of others to overcome his instincts.
"The biggest thing is your ego and pride gets bruised in that situation," he said. "But it was a situation I shouldn't have put myself in. As a senior player, I shouldn't be out at that hour and in that area.
"It was something that was very, very, very hard for me to walk away from. The way I was brought up, I would have dealt with that situation a little bit differently a few years ago. I look at it in hindsight and I'm glad I didn't retaliate.
"But it was not all me that walked away from it. I had unbelievable support from the whole Parramatta club, right through to the CEO (Ken Edwards). Thanks to that support, I was able to get over it pretty quickly."
The legacy of Maitua's unlikely restraint continues. Calls for him to be appointed Eels captain - started by previous skipper Nathan Hindmarsh - only intensified.
RENI MAITUA
Silent about his aspirations all summer, Maitua revealed the speculation made him uncomfortable.
And so did the concept of being a role model for young players; a responsibility that was thrust upon him last season.
While the rugby league caravan moves on, Maitua is always conscious of his previous sins - most significantly the two-year ban he served for returning a positive drugs test.
"It was a scary role to be known as a leader," he said.
"I've not had the best past.
"I would not have seen myself as a person others would look up to, given I was suspended from the game and had some other off-field dramas.
"At first I was not comfortable with it and part of me still gets defensive about leadership."
Replies
You know, he's been our best buy in quite a while. I always rated and respected Reni and was stoked that he came over to Parra. Good on him, it takes a man to walk away from a fight but takes a fool to start one. Hope he does well this year and when he retires in the next few years, I hope he stays on in the coaching staff. Good on yah, Reni. You're a good bloke and admitted that you did wrong in the past. Warnie, take note!
Very true. But now he needs to keep it up. Another incident would bring all his hard work undone.
Yes Reni, it is called being Knocked Out.
Reni for Captain
Come on Big Eels Man, and Yobz.
I always say, he that has done nothing wrong, to throw the first stone. Alright, I understand that perhaps, we are not in his position. But I prefer a leader who makes a mistake, confesses up, learns from it, and moves on. I prefer someone to have that sort of experience, so that I can learn from, without having to go through the pain myself.
I think he would make an awesome leader for the boys. Specially the younger ones. But, that is only my view.
Hate me not, but thought Id share my thoughts.
Donnsta, you must have loved reading this article :-)
While i think he is our best chance for a captain. I still have a problem with an 'outsider' being named captain. I think it should be an Eels junior, someone who bleeds the blue and gold. Which is Hayne or Mannah, Maybe even Keating. But all 3 of them are only 2/3rds of the way there.
Reni may be a leader, but doesn't mean he will be a good one!
Round 7, Toyota park 2012
I went to watch the mighty Eels take on the Sharks who were on a 4 game winning streak, I was expecting big things from Reni facing the team that gave him the sack, but he was quiet very quiet. The Eels lost in a very competitive outing, But being there live watching that game i was happy to see 1 player stand tall and lead the way, Not only in a great individual performance but a exceptional "team" performance which showed his continuing maturity as a leader.
I remember him carrying 4 sharks on 1 leg for 10 meters to open up the score. I remember the flick pass to set up the 2nd try to close the gap. I remember him leaping high to claim the ball to score to level it up. I remember the try saving ankle tap when the sharks were making their coming back. As the sharks had taken the lead with the time running out I remember him chasing down a kick and knocking himself out trying to force an error, which he did! It gave us one last chance at winning the game, we were not good enough to take the opportunity and win the game on the day.
For those who went to the game, or watched it at home the leadership of Jarryd Hayne was there for all too see. If he can almost lead the eventual wooden spooners to a victory against a team that was on top of the table at a fully packed Toyota park with the handicap of a Steve Kearney game plan. I don't see why there is any question of who the captain should be.
http://www.nrl.com/Video/tabid/10959/Default.aspx if you need to refresh your memory.
Where's Jack Gibson's computer program when you need it. It would've solved this problem months ago.
um Reni has never misbehaved off the field right? ever?
On that logic Mannah should be captain, as he doesn't do anything but be a nice bloke.
Nice blokes aren't always the best leaders though.
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