BREAKING: Heartbreak at Mt Smart as the Vodafone Warriors farewell a club legend

It's the day that everyone saw coming but couldn't bear to face. You could only imagine that's why it's taken so long for an official statement to come out from the Vodafone Warriors.

It's been the worst-kept secret, but the Vodafone Warriors have officially announced that club favourite and legend Manu Vatuvei has been released from his contract and will link with Salford, an opportunity Vatuvei just couldn't say no to.

Managing director Jim Doyle reveals:

“Manu is a club legend,”

“We didn’t make this decision lightly but after years of fantastic service to the Vodafone Warriors, he’s decided the time is right to head overseas and we didn’t want to stand in his way.

“We wish him all the best for his future and while he will soon be lining up for Salford, he’ll always be a Vodafone Warrior in our eyes.”

The faithful fans at Mt Smart hadn't seen much of "The Beast", with the club's all-time top try scorer being plagued with injuries, plying his trade for the reserve grade team. This hasn't been an easy decision for Vatuvei to make as he explains:

"I’ve absolutely loved my time here at the Vodafone Warriors playing alongside my brothers.

“I will never forget this club and just want to say a massive thank you to the club and the fans for their support over the years.”

We're certainly going to miss you Manu! So to reminisce enjoy this highlight of 'The Beast' carving up for the Vodafone Warriors!