Bulldogs drop Maitua over late night out

Test lock Reni Maitua has been dropped by the Bulldogs for Sunday's NRL clash with Wests Tigers after he was spotted at an Oxford Street nightclub early on Sunday morning.

Maitua was reportedly in a drunken state at T2 nightclub at 9.30am on Sunday morning, following the Bulldogs' 25-12 win over Souths two days earlier.

Bulldogs coach Steve Folkes responded by dropping Maitua to the NSW Cup, saying the player would need to improve his attitude to win a spot back in first grade.

"It will depend on him," Folkes said.

"(He'll have to) play well and prove to me his attitude is one being a hundred per cent committed and that he wants to get back and play first grade.

"The fact that he was out at that time in the morning suggests to me he isn't 100 per cent committed to doing his best for this club."

Folkes denied reports Maitua had been involved in a brawl at the nightclub, describing the incident as "a verbal argument with someone he knew".

The incident is the latest in a rocky period for Maitua, who was reprimanded by the club when he missed training during the pre-season while allegedly taking part in a drinking session.

Despite his previous misdemeanours, Folkes said the club did not consider tearing up Maitua's contract.

The Bulldogs welcome back Sonny Bill Williams from a calf injury for Sunday's match at Telstra Stadium.