Warriors out to farewell club legend in style

He may not be lining up to face the Panthers but Manu Vatuvei will undoubtedly be the centre of attention tonight.

With Mt Smart temporarily renamed in his honour, it’s hard not to be. Though as the man who has been synonymous with the Warriors for more than a decade bids farewell to the club, his teammates are determined to send him out on a winning note.

Even before Vatuvei confirmed his departure for Salford at the end of the week, which prevents him from playing against the Panthers, the Warriors needn’t have looked far for motivation.

The match has huge implications for both teams’ finals hopes, then there’s the chance for Stephen Kearney’s men to avenge the meltdown in Penrith two months ago.

Staying in touch with the top eight is of the utmost priority for the Warriors but there it is clear the players have taken on board a ‘do it for Manu’ mentality.

‘‘When you think of the Warriors you think of Manu,’’ Warriors veteran Simon Mannering said. ’’He’s a legend of this place and ... I don’t know if there’ll be another player like him. For sure we’ll do our best in honouring him with a great performance.’’

Vatuvei struggled to hold back the tears as he broke the news of his early release on Monday and it has been emotional week for all involved.

Much has been made of ‘The Beast’s’ thunderous charges out of the backfield and his stunning tryscoring ability - a club record 152 tries from 226 games as well as being the only player in NRL history to score 10 tries in 10 consecutive seasons.

But for his teammates, it is his joyous presence in the dressing room that will leave the biggest void.

Vatuvei has received more than his fair share of criticism, particularly over his handling.

In recent seasons he spoke of the toll it took on him mentally. But he rarely allowed it to affect his mood at training, where his infectious smile and big laugh has lit up Mt Smart since he made his debut in 2004.

‘‘He’s always been at the centre of all the criticism but it’s never stopped him from wanting to work hard during the week and that rubs off on his teammates,’’ halfback Shaun Johnson said.

’’People can say what they want about him. It’s going to affect him, of course it’s going to affect anyone, but he’s always come into this place with a smile on his face and wanted to do good for the Warriors. That’s why we love him.’’

Vatuvei and Mannering share a close friendship that dates back to when they first played together for Junior Kiwis in 2004.

The former Warriors and Kiwi skipper says Vatuvei has carried that positive attitude right throughout his career.

With the likes of David Fusitu’a, Charnze Nicollklokstad and Ken Maumalo, the Warriors are well stocked with promising outside backs. Indeed, the latter has made a decent start of forging his own career on the left wing. But no one can replace ‘The Beast’. ‘‘What he’s done for not only the club but rugby league in New Zealand in general, when you think of the Warriors you think of Manu,’’ Johnson said. ROROUUNND O19NE

Mt Smart Stadium, Auckland 8pm Friday Gavin Reynolds, Alan Shortall Warriors $1.67, Panthers $2.10 Live blog at stuff.co.nz