Jailed former Warriors winger Manu Vatuvei will reportedly return to his old club in the wellbeing department once released on parole.
The 37-year-old was sentenced to three years and seven months imprisonment in March last year after he admitted his role in a drug ring.
Alongside his brother Lopini Mafi, who was sentenced to seven years and two months, the pair imported just over 2kg of methamphetamine in an “unsophisticated” operation.
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Vatuvei played 226 games for the Warriors and 29 Tests and at the peak of his powers was a household name in rugby league circles both sides of the ditch.
Now Vatuvei is set to return to the New Zealand club according to Stuff.co.nz, following a hearing in front of the Parole Board on Wednesday.
He will be released from prison on May 31, with standard and special conditions in place until October 2025.
During his parole hearing, Vatuvei’s lawyer Vivienne Feyen said her client’s “losses left him with a life that was emptied of what he cherished”.
The Parole Board was also informed of the Warriors’ plans to have Vatuvei mentor players coming through the club’s ranks.
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“He has an insight into the pressures from the media and the personal life struggles and pitfalls,” Feyen said.
Warriors chief executive Cameron George also confirmed he would return to the club.
“Yes he’s done wrong and made mistakes, he’s paid for that. Our position now is being a part of his rehabilitation and hopefully his story can have a positive impact some of our young aspiring athletes,” George said.
Vatuvei will once again face the Parole Board in November for a progress hearing, with conditions in place he must follow.
The former winger must reside at a set address, not contact any gang members or his brother and not consume or possess drugs and alcohol.
