Warriors CEO Cameron George has explained the club’s decision to offer former player Manu Vatuvei a lifeline once he is released on parole on May 31.
Vatuvei played 226 games for the Warriors and 29 Tests for the Kiwis but was sentenced to three years and seven months jail time after admitting his role in importing over two kilograms of methamphetamine into the county.
George said he wants to offer a club legend the best chance to rehabilitate himself and atone for his past mistakes.
“It’s really made some noise,” George said on SENZ.
“Manu is an absolute legend of our footy club.
“We are just trying to help out someone to become the best person that they can be for himself and his family.
“We do not condone, in any way shape or form, the decisions he made but he’s been given parole not because of us but due to the measures made by the parole board.
“We as a footy club believe we have platforms that we can use Manu in to make better futures for young kids who can make better decisions.
“He will work as a volunteer from time to time…to tell his story.
“He is not working at the club and he is not engaged with the club. He’ll be working in programs from time to time.”
The Warriors have been the surprise story of the NRL in 2023 and sit in the top eight at the start of Round 12; a feat they haven’t achieved since 2018.
George said the most important thing he has seen to the start of the season is the sustained effort from all the players.
“I’m very happy and particularly with the effort based approach the team has undertaken this year,” George added.
“We’ve had so much personnel out in the last month that would’ve been in our starting 17.
“To have them slowly come back as we build into the back half of the year really sets us up.
“We are going to get a lot of competition points and that’s something we are really focused on.”
The Warriors have the bye in Round 12 before hosting the Brisbane Broncos at McLean Park in Napier on May 27.