"We are hoping to sign up a current All Black," says event promoter David Higgins.
"That would obviously be a fantastic drawcard and a great match. If that is not possible for whatever reason, then maybe a former Wallaby - someone like [former captain] Rocky Elsom could be enticed over."
Vatuvei was set for the charity event last year but the Warriors refused permission. Coach Brian McClennan was unwilling to take any risks with such a marquee player. Brown and co-promoter Dean Lonergan revisited the idea six weeks ago and cooked up a deal that Warriors' coach Matt Elliott has approved.
"We had always resisted in the past," says Warriors chief executive Wayne Scurrah, "but it was something that Manu had been keen to do and Matt saw it as something that the whole team could get behind. It's a fantastic opportunity for Manu and something that will give him plenty of direction in fitness. He's obviously keen to prepare well and perform well."
Scurrah believes the risk of injury to one of the most valuable players at Mt Smart is minimal. "There are risks in any form of sport or training," he says. "People have suggested to me that all the wrestling drills in pre-season training are just as likely to cause an injury.
"There was no significant injury to anyone who came through last year's event."
Scurrah and the Warriors have also taken heart from the examples of Isaac Luke and Liam Messam, who both competed in the last year's event.
Messam has had a breakthrough year and is thought to have taken a lot of physical and mental gains from the boxing training into his sport.
Vatuvei began training last week under the eye of former teammate, now boxing trainer Monty Betham.
He will train up to 90 minutes daily, four to five times a week, and that will be factored in by new Warriors trainer Carl Jennings when the club begins their pre-season work next month.
The event is raising funds and awareness of prostate cancer. Vatuvei lost an uncle to the disease.
