Former Australian rugby league player Reni Maitua has been removed from his part-time role with the New South Wales Rugby League (NSWRL) following critical comments he made about the State of Origin Blues’ performance. Maitua, who has been involved in the Deadly Choices program working with Indigenous communities for the past four years, said he was informed earlier this week that he had lost his ambassador position due to remarks made during a podcast he co-hosts with Braith Anasta.

Although Maitua had not yet signed a contract for the current year, he participated in recent promotional activities, including a photo shoot last month and a Deadly Choices boat cruise during the ongoing Origin series. He was also under the impression he would continue to be involved in the third State of Origin match.

The NSWRL denied that anyone in an official capacity had directly communicated Maitua’s removal to him, emphasizing that no new agreement had been signed this year. Maitua acknowledged the role was a passion project and expressed disappointment over being excluded from the community work. He clarified that his comments focused on coach Laurie Daley’s team selection and interchange strategies rather than the players themselves. Maitua said he did not believe his role with NSWRL prohibited him from making such observations and stated he would not apologize for his critique.

In other rugby league news, Parramatta Eels coach Jason Ryles indicated the club remains open to signing new players before the June 30 deadline. Ryles confirmed the Eels have multiple vacancies in their top 30 roster for 2026 and recently met with Canterbury Bulldogs forward Bronson Xerri, who is contracted until 2027 but reportedly has permission from his current club to explore other opportunities. Xerri was seen traveling to Melbourne recently and did not participate in Canterbury’s narrow victory over Manly last weekend.

Meanwhile, Manly Sea Eagles rookie Joey Walsh has extended his contract until the end of 2029, a vote of confidence in new coach Kieran Foran. Walsh, who had 18 months remaining on his existing deal, is scheduled to come off the bench wearing the No. 14 jersey in Manly’s upcoming Round 17 game against the Melbourne Storm at 4 Pines Park.

Additionally, Brisbane Broncos have named Payne Haas as stand-in captain for their match against the Sydney Roosters at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday.