West’s Tiger Center Joey Leilua understandably did a lot for his high shot on Penriths Dylan Edwards, but no spray was bigger than what he received from trainer Michael Maguire for his “Brain Snap”.
The 28-year-old passed Edwards without a ball in the eighth round against the Panthers. He was sent to the trash can and then given a four-week ban on what many thought was a dog shot.
Talk to that Sydney Morning Herald, Leilua revealed how much hot water he had with Maguire afterwards.
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“The coach gave me the biggest spray I’ve had in my career,” said Leilua SMH.
” I knew it was going to be bad because it didn’t happen right after the game.
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“I wish it had happened immediately. But it wasn’t. He took some time to think about it and called me to his office after he had time to think.
“I thought I was ready for it … but it was so big that the boys said they could hear it coming from his office. ”
While the fiery center wasn’t exactly immersed in what was said, he revealed that Maguire was telling him that he was physically and professionally far from what he should be as an NRL player.
It’s between me and the coach, said Leilua.
“ But I can tell you that he was very honest with me.
“The main thing he told me was that I wasn’t even close to where I need to be to be a professional player. that I’m not prepared – not close.
“He said I have to learn how to react. And I have to be physically fit so that I can make smarter decisions when I’m tired.
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Maguire’s honesty shook Leilua, who is now afraid of losing his place in the team as a whole.
“ Of course it’s scary to hear that because I’m worried if he’ll put me aside again, but I know he’ll make sure I get flogged (in training).
“He will make me work hard in the next four weeks. I earn it. I let the team down. ”
Leilua’s emotions were high when he hit Edwards. He had previously watched his young teammate Sam McIntyre be lifted off for an HIA, and then his brother Luciano was picked up by Api Koroisau in a duel and lay flat on the floor.
After Luciano was met, Koroisau tried to apologize to Joey, who was above his brother, but Koroisau was greeted by a very angry Joey, who was reluctant to apologize.
He has admitted that anger has overwhelmed him, and when he went after Edward and conceded it, he must be “much better” at controlling it.
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“I knew it was going to happen, but when I did what I did it kind of faded me out,” he said.
” It just happens. I was angry that they took Macca (Sam McIntyre) out of the game earlier, and when my brother was hit I didn’t hold back.
“My immediate thought was that if there had been a top-class player, there would have been action, a Cam Smith (hit hard). Instead, we lose players and nothing happens.
“ I know people called it a dog shot, which I did to Dylan (Edwards), and they can all have their opinions. I deserve it. It was a brain snapshot.
“I have to be better. Much better. I cannot let this frustration reach me. “
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A much calmer Leilua says he tried to apologize to Edwards and was sorry for his anger at Koroisau.
“ I’ve been trying to contact Dylan all week to apologize. I could not reach him. I’m sorry and I also know that Api (Koroisau) did no harm when my brother hit. He’s not that guy. ”
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He is also aware of the effects that his actions can have on his young family.
I have two young children, he said.
“ I don’t want them to look at their father and just think about things like what happened the other day. That would be very embarrassing. ”
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