Rugby League: Manu Vatuvei eyeing NRL comeback

Jake Trbojevic (L) and Manu Vatuvei announced Tonga would be playing 2 test matches v Australia and the Kiwis in New Zealand. Photo / Photosport

Manu Vatuvei is considering a playing comeback, and says he would love to return to the Warriors.

The prolific winger left the club last August for the Super League, after 14 seasons at Mt Smart where he broke all kinds of records.

But his stint at Salford was cut short, when the club terminated his contract in January, after he suffered an achilles tendon injury in pre-season training.

Vatuvei returned to Auckland in July, and is in the final stage of his rehabilitation process.

"The body is good, it's just my achilles," said Vatuvei. "So I'll see how that goes and find out from there, when I start running. After that I will decide if I do a comeback and return to playing, or hang up the boots."

"I'll like to go back to the Warriors, if I ever come back here, back to the NRL but I'll see how things go. There's a lot to get back there."

Vatuvei is a legend of the club, with a remarkable 152 tries in 226 games, but is realistic about his current standing. David Fusitu'a and Ken Maumalo have been two of the best performers this season, and it's hard to see where he might fit in now at Mt Smart.

"I have to earn that jersey to play on that wing," said Vatuvei. "Dave and Ken have been playing outstanding for the Warriors so I would never take that away from anyone else, just because of who I am. I would want to earn the jersey and make sure I deserve it, to represent the boys."

The 32-year-old would consider going to another NRL club, though admits it would be "very weird" to play against the Warriors, and also hasn't ruled out a return to the northern hemisphere.

Vatuvei was also thrilled by today's long awaited confirmation of tests for Tonga against the Kangaroos (October) and Kiwis (June) in New Zealand.

Tonga fans cheers on their side during last year's World Cup. Photosport

"It's huge," said Vatuvei. "Especially after the outcome we had in the World Cup. Not just for Tonga, but for the Pacific region. For the players, they are really excited for it, but they are more excited for the fans and our community. They are the ones that have been wanting it so badly..and for it to happen."

Tonga enjoyed fanatical fan support at last year's World Cup, selling out two games in Hamilton and the semifinal in Auckland.

It's that kind of support that ultimately drove the decision, as both the New Zealand Rugby League and the NRL know the economic potential of these games.