Footy star Manu Vatuvei is going straight back to the New Zealand Warriors after being released from prison for importing 2kg of methamphetamine
Former NRL star Manu Vatuvei will return to the Warriors’ welfare department once he is paroled from prison at the end of the month.
Last year, Vatuvei was sentenced to three years and seven months in prison for importing more than two kilograms of methamphetamine.
Vatuvei, who played 226 for the Warriors and 29 Tests for New Zealand, admitted his role in an ‘unsophisticated’ drug operation involving his brother Lopini Mafi.
The 37-year-old made his first appearance before the probation committee on Wednesday and will be paroled on May 31 until October 2025.
Vatuvei’s lawyer Vivienne Feyen told the Parole Board that the former NRL star stopped using drugs when he was charged and his life spiraled out of control due to personal circumstances.
Former NRL star Manu Vatuvei will be released on parole at the end of this month
At his sentencing last year, the court had heard that Vatuvei’s involvement in the drug ring reached a point where he faced the breakdown of his marriage and was forced to retire from rugby league.
“Those losses left him with a life stripped of what he cherished,” said Feyen.
At sentencing last March, Judge Jonathan Moses berated Vatuvei and his brother’s conduct, but noted that his legacy need not be determined by the crime.
“Your fall from grace is a punishment in itself,” he said,
“Your ultimate legacy in the community need not be determined by what happened today.”
On Wednesday, Feyen added that the Warriors were looking for Vatuvei to mentor potential players as part of an unpaid role.
“He has an understanding of the pressures of the media and the struggles and pitfalls of personal life,” she added.
Warriors CEO Cameron George said the club was keen to be a part of Vatuvei’s rehabilitation, but insisted it didn’t mean ignoring the player’s past.
Vatuvei made 226 appearances for the Warriors over 12 seasons with the New Zealand team
The winger (left) also played 29 Tests for New Zealand and two more for Mate Ma’a Tonga
“As he and we move forward, the Warriors certainly want to be a part of his rehabilitation,” he said in a statement.
“And hopefully use his story and his lessons to teach and guide young men on the right path.
“Yes, he did wrong and made mistakes, he paid for that.
“Our position is now part of his rehabilitation and hopefully his story can positively impact some of our aspiring young athletes.”