Matai's time out

[zombie jesus]

Matai's time out
RUGBY LEAGUE
14 DEC 10 @ 03:59PM BY ANDREW PRENTICE

SUSPENDED Sea Eagles centre Steve Matai believes starting 2011 on the sidelines will be a “blessing in disguise”, with his lay-off offering increased recovery time for his troublesome shoulder.

The Kiwi international was hit with a seven-game ban in September following a reckless high tackle on Bulldogs hooker Michael Ennis in the last home game of the 2010 NRL season.

After missing Manly’s heavy qualifying final loss to the Dragons, the 26-year-old will sit out a further two trial games in February.

He is expected to return against Cronulla in round five.

Matai acknowledged he will be lacking match fitness, but believes the program set by Des Hasler will ensure he won’t be a passenger.

“It will be definitely be frustrating watching the boys in our first few games,” he said on Tuesday after completing a torrid field session at Narrabeen’s Sydney Academy of Sport.

“We have worked hard in pre-season and can’t wait to rip in.

“Obviously I will be a bit behind (in conditioning), but I just have to make sure I am ready to go when Dessie needs me.

“My rehab is going well and at this stage the shoulder feels good.

“Having the time off could even work in my favour. In previous seasons my shoulder has only been at about 60 per cent, so hopefully I can get it right.”

Matai has also mapped out some ambitious goals for next year, with a spot in the New Zealand squad for the Anzac Test on May 6 in Christchurch at the forefront of his mind.

“After watching the boys in the Four Nations, I am itching to be back in the mix,” he said.

“For that to happen I will need to play good footy, week in, week out.

“Staying injury free and winning another grand final would be great as well, but I have to make sure I ease myself back into things.

“I will start contact work about March, hopefully that goes well. After that I will see where I am at.”

THE Sea Eagles will be on hand at the BWS store at Warringah Mall store tomorrow night from 6pm. David Williams, Brent Kite, Michael Robertson, Matt Ballin, Jason King and Michael Oldfield will all be signing copies of the Seasons of Manly limited edition calendars in time for Christmas.

http://manly-daily.whereilive.com.au/sport/story/matais-time-out/

 

[bildo]

I can't believe the turd has been allowed to stay in the game for so long.

Mr Highshot should have been turfed out of the game, years ago.

 

[Nice Beaver]

I can't believe the turd has been allowed to stay in the game for so long.

Mr Highshot should have been turfed out of the game, years ago.

Thanks for the input Dildo. :roll:

 

[Sea_Eagles_Rock]

I thought he made the NZ side but was ruled out due to suspension. Surely those games count towards his supsenion then?

 

[Hooch]

His shoulder is f**ked.

 

[Baron Vo Mandor]

I thought he made the NZ side but was ruled out due to suspension. Surely those games count towards his supsenion then?

Yeah NZ rugby league are going to pick him when his ineligable for the whole series....... Well played good sir.

 

[webbland]

play him off the bench and get wellington from souths -that kid is the future

 

[Sea_Eagles_Rock]

Yeah NZ rugby league are going to pick him when his ineligable for the whole series....... Well played good sir.

He was selected for the train on squad... 7/9/10

http://www.nzrl.co.nz/news-archive/kiwis-four-nations-train-on-squad.aspx