Salford have signed Manu Vatuvei on an 18 month deal till the end of 2018.
This is the first real "star" player that SL has had for years.

A current Kiwi international and a player that you would happily pay to watch.
I dont know how they have managed it but, WOW.

The injury table is the next part of Salford to be strengthened

* *from beginning of month..

Someone should tell Mr Countcash

Frank Pritchard?

how many games has he played for the nz warriors this season??? or has he been injured..out of favour...

certainly rememeber him in his prime...but what has happened, dont think he played for nz in the 4 nations last year either

A mixture of injuries, hands like cows t!ts and some good youngsters at the Warriors has seen him struggle to get a game. So, I wouldn't have him down as a current 'star' player, but he does have a bit of cult hero status and I'm sure will go well over here if fit. I do look forward to him coming onto the ball from the back fence and steaming the ball in (if he catches it). His mistakes won't be as clinically exposed over here like they are in the NRL. Having a case of the dropsies is nowhere near as criminal in superleague as it is down there.

Interesting one for Salford because they've done so much better since not going down the route of old names looking for a big payday. The younger hungrier players have got them up near the top of the league. They brought in Todd Carney and he's not really been needed and a waste of money.

I've been thinking the same. The team seems to be working more together as a unit since not going down the 'star player' route. Interesting that they look to have gone back to it. Only time will tell if its a good move for them or not though.

It's a big deal for the Warriors as they are re-naming Mount Smart Stadium Manu Vatuvei Stadium to send him off in style.

Warriors v Panthers
Date: Friday, July 14, 2017

Details
Farewell to Manu

The Vodafone Warriors will be honouring legendary winger Manu Vatuvei at Friday night’s round 19 clash against the Penrith Panthers.

Vatuvei won’t play against the Panthers but those in attendance will have the opportunity to acknowledge him and his contribution to the Vodafone Warriors before he leaves for Salford in the English Super League on Saturday.

Among the festivities planned, the Vodafone Warriors will be giving out inflatable hands at the gates and in the membership clubrooms as a tribute to “The Beast’s” signature try-scoring celebration.

Members are also encouraged to check in at the membership club rooms where a small number of limited edition Vatuvei posters will be available on a first in, first served basis.

Vatuvei’s teammates will also have his name, Vodafone Warrior number and signature embroidered into their playing jerseys. They will warm up in special Canterbury tees with Vatuvei #115 on the back.

Before kick off, Vatuvei will also walk onto the field he’s graced for more than a decade one last time.

But it’s the re-naming of Mount Smart Stadium to Manu Vatuvei Stadium for “The Beast’s” farewell that is sure to turn most heads.

Venue: 'Manu Vatuvei' Stadium, Auckland

Game Day Hashtag: #NRLWarriorsPanthers #ThankYouManu

might be one of these so called 'bums on seats' signings

yeh right.

Carney is still class and I would expect him to be involved more and more through the last part of the season.
Vatuvei is a huge signing and whether he plays 5 games or 50, you would want to see him play.
Although not in his prime, he will cause a stir in SL and for 1 or 1 1/2 seasons the guy should bring plenty to SL.
Apart from those who have needed to find the exit, for whatever reason, he's the first big signing to come form down under for a long time.
Other's like Carney and Bird have had to come over but this is a bit different.
The old saying about form being temporary and class being permanent certainly applies here.

I disagree. I think wingers can regress quickly. Seems an unecessary signing during a season they are doing well and have a well moulded side. Big bucks when they have cheaper players doing a good job. He's past his best. This might seem a harsh criticism but it's more a compliment to how well the current Salford side have been doing.

It MIGHT apply if he applies himself but the British game has been littered with big name stars from Down Under who have just come over here for a big pay-check. He'll be 32 at the start of next season.

If he can stay fit I think he'll go really well in Super League similar to Lesley Vainikolo. If he's out injured all the time he'll be a massive let down. He's a current Tongan international and ex New Zealand international.

Could be a decent signing. He's not the same player he was but he should go well against lesser calibre of players in super league

Regards

King James

I believe that h will do well, except against Catalans where Jodie Broughton or Fouad Yaha should keep him in check.

How remarkably similar.

Not sure about this signing... I understand why Salford have signed him but he's not the player he was four or five years ago.

Still strong in a straight line going forward but looks stiff and immobile turning in defence... injury and poor form has seen him on the outer at the Warriors!

He's a very big unit who will help on kick returns and should score a lot of tries if Salford can work him a bit of space near the line - the way Leeds generally don't with Ryan Hall for some unknown reason.

He's also a personality player, of which SL has far too few. I hope he becomes a cult hero for Salford.

Lesley Vainakolo
Height 6'2"
Weight 19st 7lbs
Position Winger
Rep Honours New Zealand and Tonga
RL 1st grade appearances 220
RL 1st grade trys 184

Many Vatuvei
Height 6'2"
Weight 19st 7lbs
Position Winger
Rep honours New Zealand and Tonga
RL 1st grade appearances 226
RL 1st grade trys 152

How remarkably similar.

Suppose your other persona will be along soon?