Parramatta skipper Kieran Foran has implored Eels enforcer and Kiwi aspirant Manu Ma'u not to curb his aggression despite his frequent brushes with the NRL judiciary.
Ma'u is in the mix to make his New Zealand debut in next month's Test against Australia in Newcastle after a blockbusting start to the season.
In all five of his appearances this season the Auckland-born second-rower has played the full 80 minutes and only once has he failed to make 100 metres - when he made 99 metres against North Queensland in round two.
While he has earned deserved praise for his workrate and strike power, he has been treading a fine line between aggression and recklessness.
He last week escaped a two-week suspension when he was found not guilty of a crusher tackle on Wests Tigers Josh Aloiai.
Aloiai appeared at the judiciary on Ma'u's behalf and the Eels back-rower was exonerated for the incident which occurred in a game which marked his return from suspension for a crusher tackle on North Queensland's Kyle Feldt in round two.
Ma'u has twice been found guilty of a crusher tackle over the last two years.
Foran said Ma'u's ferocious approach to the game was not endangering his quest for a Kiwi call up and urged him not to rein in his aggressive streak.
"He's someone who that we turn to, he's a really great leader in the forward pack, he brings that passion and aggression that we like to have in our side," Foran said.
"And we back him 100 per cent in what he does. He's able to get us on the go-forward and give us some grunt there. We love what he brings to the side."
