Maurirere has been sidelined since undergoing a knee reconstruction last season. However, he is confident he’ll be fit to take his place in the team next year.

“I was training with the team in the last six weeks of this year and the knee feels pretty good,’’ he said.

“I’ll be doing some work in the off-season to strengthen the knee and my hamstring and I hope to be able to play next year.’’

He said the news is also positive for top forward Sam Hartnett, who missed most of this year after injuring his neck.

“Sam doesn’t need surgery and that’s good. He’ll be working to strengthen his neck in time for next year and I know he wants to play.’’

Maurirere admitted the loss of Hartnett and back rower Dave Rees hurt this year. Rees had to sit out a five game suspension after being sent off in the second last game.

Despite these problems the Ratz had a successful season despite going down 39-29 to Wallamba in the final at Nabiac last Saturday.

“We unearthed some good, young talent, like Blake Howard, who really stood up in the second half of the season, and our prop Chris Noonan, who is only 20 and shows real potential,’’ Maurirere said.

He said all the players are keen to improve next year.