Controversial Cronulla recruit Reni Maitua says the struggling NRL club is proving the perfect place to rebuild his career.

Maitua was dumped by the Bulldogs in December after he missed a training session, the incident the last of several off-field dramas that had plagued the former Australian Test lock's career.

The 26-year-old was convicted of drink-driving in 2006 and was found guilty of an assault in 2002, but had the conviction overturned on appeal.

But Maitua, who made his run-on debut for the Sharks in the 24-14 loss to Canberra on Saturday, said the discipline of coach Ricky Stuart and the team spirit at Toyota Stadium were helping him focus on his football.

"Ricky was a massive factor. I know what sort of a coach he is and what he expects of his players and the discipline and direction he gives his players," he said.

"That's probably something that was a little bit lacking in my career. I knew that he was a coach who could give me a good boot up the arse and get me in the right direction and I feel like I am doing that.

"I hope that he knows I'm trying hard for him, and not only that, but the group of players as well.

"There's all these teams out there with great individual talent but I don't think they have the same team bond as this group of blokes here.

"That was a massive factor and it's a similar culture to what I was brought up around with the Dogs. I didn't want to move away from that culture too much."

Despite Maitua's happiness the Sharks find themselves propping up the NRL ladder after five rounds following four straight defeats.

But the former Bulldog said he was confident things would turn around for his new club even if he can't manage to keep his starting 13 spot when captain Paul Gallen returns from a two-game suspension.

"Obviously Paul's going to be back in a couple of weeks, I've got to earn my stripes first," he said.

"Toups (Anthony Tupou) and Reece Williams have been playing great and I've always said that I've never wanted to jump into someone's spot just because of reputation.

"You've got to earn your respect coming into a new team, I'll just take my opportunities when they come and that's all I can do."

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