Reni Maitua announces retirement but joins Toronto backroom staff

Reni Maitua has hung up his boots to take up the role of player welfare manager at Toronto Wolfpack.

The 35-year-old back-rower originally retired at the end of Leigh Centurions’ promotion winning 2016 season and spent a year out of the game, before coming out of retirement to join the Wolfpack on a short-term deal.

Maitua scored two tries in eight appearances for the Canadian club but he has confirmed his retirement for good.

The former Australia and Samoa international is looking forward to getting stuck into his new position with the Wolfpack though.

He said: “What an experience it has been to be part of a club that is making history.

“It’s been an absolute pleasure to wear the Wolfpack jersey. Moving forward, I have the privilege of being able to help create a culture and brand that represents Toronto and Canada as a whole as well as supporting our players and staff through any life experiences, both good and bad, on and off the field.

“I’ve certainly been through the very highest of highs but also the lowest points in life. I don’t need a degree to share my own personal triumphs and failures.

“To put a smile on people’s faces is extremely rewarding and part of my vision is to make everyone in our team at least 10% a better person in life. This will hopefully help for the greater good and our team in our community.

“Having said that I’ll never say this is my final farewell. I’ll continue to train with the team be a leader for this great club.”

Toronto coach Paul Rowley heaped praise on Maitua for coming into the squad with a great attitude and thinks he can contribute a lot to the club off the field, too.

He said: “Bringing Reni to the club was always to initially cover the injury to Cory Paterson in game one whilst adding a short-term injection of experience and professionalism to the group.

“For a club still in its infancy but motivated to progress at pace, we required a respected and well-connected person to act as a conduit to the player pool in the Southern Hemisphere, this was the second but equally important reason for bringing him to Toronto.

“With Cory’s return to fitness last week the time for Ren to step over the line and into a new exciting role within our off-field team has now arrived.

“Reni will also work within other aspects of the business providing support to players and coaches and enabling us to add a world class person in our effort to enhance our commitment within the community.

“I’d like to thank Reni for his efforts and commitment on the field and for wearing our jersey with pride and now welcome him to the staff.”