Bulldogs decide they don't want Reni Maitua
By Josh Massoud and James Phelps From:The Daily Telegraph August 18
THERE will be no sentimental homecoming for Reni Maitua next season, with the Bulldogs yesterday declining to offer their one-time utility a lifeline in a move that all but guarantees another former star - Greg Eastwood - will now return to Belmore instead.
Canterbury were widely tipped to welcome Maitua back when his drugs suspension end in May 2011, but a meeting last Friday with coach Kevin Moore and CEO Todd Greenberg failed to satisfy either party. Maitua is now favoured to join Parramatta, whose board on Monday night unanimously gave Eels CEO Paul Osborne its blessing to make an offer.
Three other clubs have also expressed interest, but the Eels are keen to fill New Zealand-bound Feleti Mateo's No. 13 jersey.
Greenberg last night confirmed the Bulldogs were out of the running. "We had a frank and open discussion with Reni and we've decided not to reopen it," he said.
"Sometimes you have to go through a process before making a tough decision and we've done that.
"If our recruitment around Greg Eastwood comes off, then there's probably not enough room for another back-rower at the club.
"We really wish Reni well because he is still held in high esteem at the club."
Maitua's agent Sam Ayoub said there was no shortage of suitors for the 29-year-old.
"Reni wanted to do the right thing and repay the Bulldogs, and things could've been handled a little better from their end," Ayoub said.
Eastwood has been granted permission to break his three-year deal with Leeds and return to the Bulldogs, but both clubs are still negotiating a transfer fee.
EXPECTING to sign veteran centre Colin Best this week, Cronulla have also emerged as a surprise contender for another evergreen three-quarter - Eric Grothe Jr.
Grothe, 30, is looking less likely to stay at Parramatta beyond this year and lives in Cronulla, where he's also just opened a cafe with Sharks and former Eels hooker John Morris.
