The rugby league community have taken to social media for their tributes towards club legend Manu Vatuvei after his official announcement on Monday that he is leaving the Vodafone Warriors to join Salford’s Red Devils in Super League.
Many fans and sports personalities were quick to jump on social media and share their reactions to the news.
“Manu is a club legend,” Vodafone Warriors managing director Jim Doyle said.
“We didn’t make this decision lightly but after years of fantastic service to the Vodafone Warriors, he’s decided the time is right to head overseas and we didn’t want to stand in his way.
“We wish him all the best for his future and while he will soon be lining up for Salford, he’ll always be a Vodafone Warrior in our eyes.”
Although Vatuvei will not be taking the field this Friday night, Vodafone Warriors fans will get the opportunity to farewell ‘The Beast’ as we honour his many achievements.
“This wasn’t an easy decision to make,” Vatuvei said.
“I’ve absolutely loved my time here at the Vodafone Warriors playing alongside my brothers.
“I will never forget this club and just want to say a massive thank you to the club and the fans for their support over the years.”
Here are some of the tributes to Vatuvei:
Benji Marshall
Manu Vatuvei Good luck over in the U.K. Bro. Just wanna say thanks bro as a teammate and also as a fan for everything you did for not only for the warriors but for New Zealand Rugby League in general. The Beast in my opinion will always be a Warriors legend and Kiwis hero. Always a fan favourite, always so humble and most importantly family first. Respect you brother!
Shaun Johnson
Ruben Wiki
Monty Betham
Bodene Thompson
My right hand man. There's a lot I can say about you big fulla but your actions speak louder then anyone's words can. Here's just a few.. kind, giving, selfless, will give the food off his plate cloths off his back and money out of his pocket to anyone in need! Going to miss you my bro. brothers4life now forever family doko - @bodeneThompson
Xavier Horan
I'll always remember you playing your first Fox game with us for 'Otablu' and watching you manhandle grown men, you were what you became known as - a 'BEAST'. After the game, your old man drank hard with us in the sheds while you sipped on your coke. And when he was ready, you drove him home and gave us all - the smile of 'Bling'. Too many proud moments to mention toko, you are now officially one of 'South Auckland's Legends' and forever have etched our memories with that golden post try celebration smile! Go over there and a make a big noise for us to hear. Ofa atu toko. @manuvatuvei - @xavierhoran
Tofiga
The one and only @manuvatuvei Manu Vatuvei You will be dearly missed uso and you will be always one of my favs of all time. Wishing you all the best uso with the new venture over in the U.K. Alofa aku God Bless. #TheBeast #TokoUso #NZWarriorsKiwisTonganLeagueLegend #ScorpionsLegend #OneOfSthAucklandsFinest - @tofiga
Konrad Hurrell
Wonderful way to honour a @NZWarriors great!! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾 https://t.co/SKtJt6Ghp7
— Lote Tuqiri (@LoteTuqiri) July 11, 2017
Sad to see you go Manu. My kids have grown up cheering for you and have missed you. All the best in England
— Ali Nolan (@MrsAliN) July 10, 2017
@ManuVatuvei @NZWarriors thank you so much, my dad Trev passed away 2 weeks ago, but you kept him going for years.❤️Manu was his fave 4eva pic.twitter.com/L2Y21dqadn
— Lisa Stewart (@warrior_lisanz) July 11, 2017
