The Eels forward spent time in a juvenile justice facility in his youth in New Zealand, before doing a 22-month jail stint for his role in a brawl between two gangs. "Once the gates open, you walk in and see the boys. It’s an eye opener now," he said. "I’ve got three kids. I feel for them. "It’s touchy. I’m all past that now. It’s all good to come back and see the youth. Hopefully it can help them out, they can get out." Once the gates open, you walk in and see the boys. It’s an eye opener now. I’ve got three kids. I feel for them. Eels player Manu Ma'u One of the youngsters, a league player, knew all about Ma’u’s story. The Tongan international took him aside and told him his dream of playing in the NRL was achievable. The youngster with the ankle bracelet didn’t have to look far for proof.

"I spoke to one of them and he actually gets out next week," he said. "I hope he doesn’t get back in. I just spoke to him [told him] he has a good future, he’s still young. Loading "He’s only 15. Get out and don’t come back in. I told him to chase his dream, there’s nothing stopping him. "He’s got a future out there. He said he wants to play NRL. There’s nothing stopping him. Go hard." Will Smith and Michael Jennings joined Ma’u for the visit, one of several Eels players are making before Saturday’s clash with Canberra in the Top End. Ma’u, whose own future is uncertain amidst interest from the Super League, knows how powerful a visit can be when you are at your lowest ebb.

"Some of these kids don’t have families. It’s hard on them," he said. "It’s good for us players to be around them because it means a lot to them. "We had inmates that got out who are now businessmen. That was really motivational. A few family members could come in. "It’s good to come see the boys. They are a happy bunch, it’s good to chat with them and run around with them, kick the footy and that." Meanwhile, Waqa Blake’s transfer to the Eels is complete after the former Penrith three-quarter signed on for the next four-and-a-half year. The deal was completed after Blake completed a medical, the latest in a raft of player movements before the June 30 deadline. Blake is currently sidelined with a medial injury injury and is expected to be available for selection in Brad Arthur’s team from round 20. The Fijian international has been a member of emerging NSW Origin squads and will provide the Eels with strike in their run to the finals.