despite role in nightclub brawl
Reni Maitua will return to Bulldogs training next month — the first indication that the Canterbury forward will survive the axe following his involvement in a Brisbane nightclub brawl late last month.
Sydney (dailytelegraph.com.au) 25 Nov 2014 - Canterbury club chief executive Raelene Castle has confirmed Maitua will return to training following a scheduled holiday break on December 12.
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The 32-year-old was omitted from Samoa’s Four Nations team for their first match of the tournament against England with North Queensland
Cowboys centre Tautau Moga and Wests Tigers backrower Sauaso Sue also stood down following their involvement in the brawl.
All three players were also fined $10,000 each by the NRL.
It had been suggested that the incident would prove the final straw for Bulldogs officials, who had granted Maitua a lifeline after he was sacked by
Parramatta late in 2013 after being charged with assault following an alcohol-driven exchange with a taxi driver.
The assault charge emerged against the backdrop of deep personal issues which Maitua struggled with including severe depression.
A popular figure among his teammates, Maitua won even more support for his courage to speak openly about his struggles, while also earning a two-year deal with the Dogs.
Castle said as far as the Bulldogs were concerned, Maitua was a contracted player — until the end of 2015 — and that he would be required to resume pre-season training under coach Des Hasler.
“At this stage he is contracted and Reni will return on December 12,” Castle said.
“We haven’t discussed anything different.”
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