Vodafone Warriors front rower Albert Vete has played his last game for the club after being granted a release today enabling him to continue his career in Australia.
The 25-year-old former Mate Ma’a Tonga international’s midseason move sees him end his Vodafone Warriors stint with 46 NRL appearances since his debut against Newcastle in round one in 2015.
“We really appreciate the contribution Albie has made to the club both on the field and off it,” said Vodafone Warriors general manager football Brian Smith.
“He was among a group of young players who came through the system in 2015 and finishes just short of the 50-game milestone. We wish Albie and his family all the best for the future.”
Vete joined the club from a rugby union background, captaining the St Kentigern College First XV to the Auckland secondary schools title in 2011.
He made 37 NYC appearances for the Vodafone Junior Warriors in 2012 and 2013 before joining the club’s wider NRL squad in 2014. As well as 46 NRL games, Vete made 45 appearances for the Vodafone Warriors in the Intrust Super Premiership.
He also made a key contribution off the field, especially through his support of the Harvey Norman Community Warriors’ CSG League in Libraries programme.
Fullback Zac Santo and hooker Manaia Cherrington, who joined the Vodafone Warriors on second tier contracts midway through last season, were released recently. Both have returned to Australia.
Cherrington played 22 times for the ISP team during his term in Auckland while Santo made 15 appearances.
ALBERT VETE
Date of Birth: January 24, 1993
Birthplace: Auckland, NZ
Junior Club: Mangere East Hawks
Position: Prop
Height: 1.88m
Weight: 112kg
Rep Honours: Two Tests for Tonga (2015), Junior Kiwis (2013)
Previous Clubs: Nil
NRL Debut: v Newcastle, Hunter Stadium, March 7, 2015 (Round 1)
NRL Career: 46 appearances (2015-2018)
NRL Points: 16 (4 tries)
ISP Career: 45 appearances for Vodafone Warriors (2014-2018)
ISP Points: 40 (10 tries)
NYC Career: 37 appearances (2012-2013)
NYC Points: 56 (14 tries)
