Manu Vatuvei has been given leave from the Warriors on medical grounds following last week's drama when six players were stood down for breaching team protocol.
Vatuvei, together with Ben Matulino, Bodene Thompson, and young front-rowers Sam Lisone and Albert Vete, and Konrad Hurrell, were last week dropped to reserve grade and later stood down from being eligible for Kiwis selection following a late night out after returning home following their embarrassing 42-0 Anzac Day defeat to Melbourne Storm.
Vatuvei, Matulino, Thompson, Lisone and Vete admitted to the club last Thursday that they mixed prescription drugs and energy drinks. Hurrell insisted he had not indulged and had only accompanied the players and acted as the group's driver.
Warriors managing director Jim Doyle announced in a statement that Vatuvei was given a leave of absence and that the club were also continuing to focus on the welfare of the other five players who were disciplined.
"As we have said, our focus is on the welfare of the six players involved," said Doyle.
