League: Manu Vatuvei released by Super League club Salford

Manu Vatuvei has been released by English club Salford. Photo / Photosport

Manu Vatuvei is coming home — but he won't be returning to the Warriors.

His Super League club Salford Red Devils have granted the winger an early release from his contract, due to ongoing injury issues.

Vatuvei scored five tries in eight games for the Red Devils last year after leaving the Warriors last July, but has yet to play a match this season, due to an Achilles injury suffered in pre-season.

"Unfortunately, the injury Manu sustained in pre-season meant that he would be out for the full season," said Salford director of rugby and operations Ian Blease.

"We had hoped that Manu would have played a significant part in our 2018 campaign however we now feel that it is best for both parties for Manu to return home.

"Everyone at the club would like to wish Manu the best of luck for the future."

Vatuvei scored 152 tries in 226 games for the Warriors, representing one of the best strike rates in NRL history.

He's still young by modern league standards (32) but a return to Mt Smart in a playing capacity looks unlikely.

Vatuvei was consistently overlooked last season — as Ken Maumalo came to prominence — and coach Stephen Kearney now has a surfeit of riches in the outside backs.