R NRL great Reni Maitua has claimed he was dismissed from his community ambassador role with the New South Wales Rugby League (NSWRL) due to his public criticism of the NSW State of Origin team's performance. Maitua, 44, stated on the BTFU podcast, which he co-hosts with former teammate Braith Anasta, that he received a phone call informing him his services were no longer required.
Maitua, a premiership-winning player, has been a vocal critic of Blues coach Laurie Daley throughout the recent series, questioning selection decisions. "I got a call saying because of comments I'd made around the NSW side that I'd lost my role as an ambassador," Maitua said on the podcast. He clarified that while he critiqued Daley's performance, he did not personally attack him.
Maitua has been involved with the Deadly Choices program for several years, working with homeless and Indigenous communities. He expressed disappointment about being removed from this community work, stating, "I don't apologise for my comments. I do care about the fact I've been left out of doing the community work."
Co-host Braith Anasta condemned the alleged decision, calling it a "disgrace" and questioning why Maitua would be singled out when Anasta himself had been more critical. "No-one else has been sacked but they think Reni Maitua has done the wrong thing by us and the team, which you have nothing to do with," Anasta stated.
The NSWRL has denied Maitua's allegations, stating that no one in an authoritative position has contacted him to terminate his employment.
Maitua played 174 first-grade NRL games for four teams across three stints and was part of the Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs' 2004 premiership-winning side alongside Anasta.
The NSWRL was contacted for further comment.