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Manu Vatuvei, a former New Zealand Warriors star, has openly shared his remorse over his involvement in a drug smuggling operation in 2019. Despite being a one-time NRL cult hero, Vatuvei's past actions continue to cast a shadow over his life, even after serving time in jail.
Vatuvei was convicted in 2022 for his role in a drug syndicate that smuggled methamphetamine into New Zealand, resulting in a sentence of three years and seven months. However, he was granted parole under special conditions in May 2023. The ex-NRL star, alongside his brother Lopini Lautau Mafi, was apprehended by authorities while attempting to retrieve nine packets of concealed methamphetamine, valued at $200,000, from a package that originated from India.
Known as 'The Beast' on the field, Vatuvei recognises that some rugby fans may never forgive him for his actions. Nevertheless, he is committed to making amends and rebuilding his life. In an interview with the New Zealand Herald, Vatuvei stated, "I take ownership of what I did and I'm accountable for it, and now I'm changing my life again and rebuilding from the start.”
Vatuvei has expressed his readiness to move forward, accepting that his past actions will always be a part of him. However, he is determined to utilise any negative reception as motivation to continue making positive changes in his life.
Following his release from prison, Vatuvei has been working with Dave Letele's Buttabean Motivation (BBM) team in New Zealand. Letele, a former Kiwi heavyweight boxer, transitioned to motivational speaking and providing food for the needy after retiring from the sport in 2016. Vatuvei credits Letele for giving him a second chance and motivating him to work hard, stating, “I owe him a lot. He (Letele) never looked down at me or anything. He just took me under his wing and gave me the opportunity, but then it was up to me to work my arse off.”
Vatuvei's previous life as a professional rugby league player, where he was a fan favourite at the New Zealand Warriors, seems a world away. He played 226 games for the club, scoring a record 152 tries, and represented New Zealand in 29 tests and Tonga in two. However, his career was abruptly ended in June 2019 when a cyst was found on his brain.
Despite the challenges he has faced, Vatuvei is committed to giving back to his community and sharing his story as a way of redemption. His journey acts as a stark reminder of how quickly life can change, and the importance of making the right choices.
Vatuvei was convicted in 2022 for his role in a drug syndicate that smuggled methamphetamine into New Zealand, resulting in a sentence of three years and seven months. However, he was granted parole under special conditions in May 2023. The ex-NRL star, alongside his brother Lopini Lautau Mafi, was apprehended by authorities while attempting to retrieve nine packets of concealed methamphetamine, valued at $200,000, from a package that originated from India.
Known as 'The Beast' on the field, Vatuvei recognises that some rugby fans may never forgive him for his actions. Nevertheless, he is committed to making amends and rebuilding his life. In an interview with the New Zealand Herald, Vatuvei stated, "I take ownership of what I did and I'm accountable for it, and now I'm changing my life again and rebuilding from the start.”
Vatuvei has expressed his readiness to move forward, accepting that his past actions will always be a part of him. However, he is determined to utilise any negative reception as motivation to continue making positive changes in his life.
Following his release from prison, Vatuvei has been working with Dave Letele's Buttabean Motivation (BBM) team in New Zealand. Letele, a former Kiwi heavyweight boxer, transitioned to motivational speaking and providing food for the needy after retiring from the sport in 2016. Vatuvei credits Letele for giving him a second chance and motivating him to work hard, stating, “I owe him a lot. He (Letele) never looked down at me or anything. He just took me under his wing and gave me the opportunity, but then it was up to me to work my arse off.”
Vatuvei's previous life as a professional rugby league player, where he was a fan favourite at the New Zealand Warriors, seems a world away. He played 226 games for the club, scoring a record 152 tries, and represented New Zealand in 29 tests and Tonga in two. However, his career was abruptly ended in June 2019 when a cyst was found on his brain.
Despite the challenges he has faced, Vatuvei is committed to giving back to his community and sharing his story as a way of redemption. His journey acts as a stark reminder of how quickly life can change, and the importance of making the right choices.
