Salford are set to unleash their new main Manu
SALFORD expect to have new signing Manu Vatuvei in their squad in time for the Challenge Cup semi-final with Wigan at the end of the month.
The former New Zealand international winger has signed an 18-month deal at the AJ Bell Stadium and could make his Red Devils debut against Leigh on July 21. He joins from New Zealand Warriors, where he scored 152 tries in 226 matches.
“Manu is a great signing for us,” said coach Ian Watson. “He has such an impact on the game from the backfield and is a real handful for opposition defences to deal with. Manu is a winner and has experience of being in those highpressure, big-game situations. He will be able to bring that experience into our existing playing group which will be a massive benefit for our young squad.
“I’ve been really impressed by how committed Manu is to come over here and be part of this group. He wants to come here and win things. He is fully prepared to work hard and earn the respect of the rest of the boys through his performances.
“Just the fact that a player of Manu’s stature and experience wants to come over and play for Salford shows how far we have come as a team and as a club.”
Meanwhile, the Rugby Football League has confirmed it is to investigate an incident at the end of Salford’s defeat to Leeds on Sunday in which an object appeared to be thrown at referee James Child as he left the field.
Soon after the match, the Red Devils issued a statement condemning the perpetrator and vowing to issue them with a lifetime ban. Chief executive Ian Blease also announced the introduction of an anonymous text service through which supporters will be able to report any future antisocial behaviour.
“What happened at the end of the game was idiotic and the person responsible has tarnished the name of our great club,” said Blease.
“This is the time families and children are sitting up and taking notice and it is beyond disappointing that a certain minority find it impossible to understand that the direction this club is heading in is not one where they are welcome.
“Abuse and lack of respect at the AJ Bell Stadium ends here. We had numerous complaints from parents today about foul and abusive language – the message is not getting through. We do not want you. You are not welcome.”
Junior Sa’u has been cited for a high tackle in the defeat to the Rhinos and will face a disciplinary hearing tonight. He has the option of submitting an Early Guilty Plea to the Grade B charge, which would likely see him miss only Friday’s visit to league leaders Castleford.