By Brian Dick, Coventry Telegraph.
November 14 2012

JAMES Otutaha accepts he has to prove himself to Coventry all over again after making his comeback to Phil Maynard’s squad.The Kiwi centre did outstandingly well when he first arrived at Butts Park Arena midway through last season as he came in and stabilised a creaking midfield.Indeed he showed enough in those three months and just nine matches to earn himself a two-year contract as Cov looked to build a squad to challenge for promotion.

However, Otutaha’s role was reduced when he broke his hand in the pre-season match with Bedwas and was forced to sit out for a month.

When he did come back for the trip to Rosslyn Park at the end of September he looked rusty and so he was sent out on loan to build up his match fitness.

He has done that and having come off the bench in Saturday’s defeat to Esher he has now targeted a return to the starting line-up.

But he admits it won’t be easy. “I have just got to prove myself again,” the 28-year-old said.

“I feel part of everything again, the boys have taken me back with open arms and it’s great to be back.

“I just want to stay injury free, try to push for a starting shirt and hopefully push on from there.

“There are a lot of lads competing in the midfield but I’ll just work hard to get ahead and stay there.”

Indeed the chance to wear the Blue and White is a massive relief to the former Marist North Harbour player following a tough few weeks.

Otutaha could only watch from afar as Greg Evans, Heath Stevens and recently Luke Myring have settled into the Coventry midfield.

“I could not play for four weeks and when I came back I was a bit sluggish,” he said.

“So going away to Broadstreet was really good to give me the confidence that everything was going to be alright.

“Before I’d be thinking ‘I shouldn’t fend that way’ or worrying about it in contact.

“It was very frustrating and there are dark times even though you try to keep you chin up. When you see the other guys gelling you start wondering where you are going to fit in.”

Otutaha’s return was one of the few positives taken from an otherwise disappointing afternoon at Molesey Road.

Cov travelled to Surrey on the back of a good win over Blackheath but despite an assertive start in which they led 7-0, they buckled to a 27-10 reverse and still continue to struggle for consistency.

Otutaha felt the visitors let Esher, who were in the Championship last season, take control of the game.

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James Otutaha admits he has to prove himself to Coventry RFC

Discussion started by Unofficial Coventry Rugby (IP Logged), 14/11/2012 20:35

Unofficial Coventry Rugby
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