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Sunday, 13 April 2008 18:41

David Fa'alogo

Back again ... David Fa'alogo says he has let his club down after his seven-match suspension last year. / The Sunday Telegraph

Anasta branded Fa'alogo a "low human'' after the Kiwi Test forward king-hit the Roosters pivot in their fiery final-round match last year.

Fa'alogo has never responded, has never sought a meeting with Anasta and has no plans to.

What Fa'alogo feels guilty about is letting down his club.

Fa'alogo said the lowest points of his seven-game suspension had been missing South Sydney's first finals match in 18 years and watching helplessly as the Rabbitohs have struggled this season.

New Zealand Test coach Stephen Kearney said selectors would be monitoring Fa'alogo's return, keeping him in calculations for the May 9 Test.

But Fa'alogo said his priority was to help dig the Bunnies out of their hole, starting with tomorrow night's match against Cronulla at ANZ Stadium.

"It's a really good opportunity for me to come back to play for the guys, who are feeling a bit down,'' Fa'alogo said.

"For sure, I've let the boys down and myself. All I can do is come back and play well.

"I've been counting down the days until I came back. It's been a match I've had myself prepared for.''

Fa'alogo said it had been a relief to rejoin team-mates at training during the week, having spent the bulk of his suspension working alone.

He was confident the Rabbitohs pack would respond to this week's challenge from skipper Roy Asotasi to lift the intensity.

"I'll be taking on that challenge,'' Fa'alogo said.

"The past four weeks have been pretty tough training, doing it on my own and only having one day off during the week. I hope it pays off.''

Fa'alogo's suspension also cost him a place on New Zealand's tour of Britain at the end of last season, including five Test matches.

Just two games away from the 100 milestone in the NRL, he is not yet concerned with adding to his six Test appearances for New Zealand.

"I've got to come back and do my part for Souths,'' Fa'alogo said.

"If I make the (Centenary) Test, then my plans have obviously worked because that means I'm playing good every week for the team.''
Last Updated on Friday, 25 April 2008 07:33