Parramatta forward Peni Terepo admits being grateful to be given a stay of execution by the NRL club following his latest off-field incident.
Terepo made his season debut in Friday's loss to the Sydney Roosters after completing a two-game ban for an alcohol-fuelled episode on a flight last month.
The 27-year-old was also fined $25,000 and ordered to go on an alcohol ban by the club following allegations he verbally abused an air hostess.
It was initially feared the Eels would tear up Terepo's contract, given he also copped a three-game suspension for another incident in 2017.
However, after the club completed its internal investigations it is understood there were no complaints made to police or the airline from his latest drama.
"To be honest I wasn't as worried at first because I thought it was a real small issue," said Terepo, after his first match of the season.
"The way it was blown out ... that's when I started to get real worried."
The Tongan international was expecting the worst when confronting coach Brad Arthur over the affair.
Arthur also stood by Terepo after he failed to inform the club about a careless driving conviction in New Zealand two years ago.
"It was a pretty tough (conversation with Arthur)," Terepo said.
"Obviously he was angry because he had me to play in round one but it was a bit unexpected. He was pretty frustrated."
Asked what he had learnt from his latest off-field incident, Terepo said: "I think just to be more mindful now as a footy player.
"I don't see myself as a superstar footy player. I just see myself as an ordinary guy. I think now that NRL players, they have the spotlight on them.
"I think as NRL players now, we need to be more mindful because one little thing you can get in big trouble.
"I'm pretty grateful that the club had gave me another chance and they still have faith in me to get the job done. I can't thank them enough."
