Cronulla Sharks have signed Reni Maitua a month after the 26-year-old utility was sacked by the Bulldogs for missing a morning training session.

The 26-year-old had been in talks with South Sydney but he opted to sign a one-year deal with the Sharks.

"In the end it was a tough decision," Maitua told the Daily Telegraph.

"I appreciate the interest from all the other clubs (but) I made a football decision and I think I can have a very good year with the Sharks.

"I ended up doing a one-year deal because I am planning on having a really big year," he said.

Maitua's manager Sam Ayoub said the influence of Sharks coach Ricky Stuart was a major factor in his client's decision.

"He feels his football will compliment Ricky Stuart's coaching, and he also feels they going to have a very competitive side with the addition of Trent Barrett and Anthony Tupou," Ayoub told the Sydney Morning Herald.

"Reni felt the team and Ricky Stuart would be a good fit for him."

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