‘The Beast’ surprise inclusion for Warriors v Eels

NEWS RELEASE        

  Wednesday 9 February 2011   
  

Manu 'The Beast' Vatuvei

‘The Beast’ surprise inclusion for Warriors v Eels Rotorua match
 

ROTORUA 09.02.11: In a surprise selection Manu ‘The Beast’ Vatuvei has been named in the Vodafone Warriors team for its pre-season clash with the Parramatta Eels at Rotorua International Stadium this weekend.

Events & Venues Rotorua general manager Peter McLeod says the inclusion of the world class New Zealand international adds an extra dimension to Saturday’s [12 February] game.

“Vatuvei’s inclusion is an exciting but unexpected addition as it marks his return to the game after breaking an arm in the opening match of the Four Nations Championship last year.

“Local rugby league fans will be thrilled to have him back on board as he is clearly the best winger in world league and the Warriors’ and Kiwis’ try scoring machine.”

Also named in this weekend’s team are seven other Kiwi internationals - Lewis Brown, Aaron Heremaia, Krisnan Inu, Kevin Locke, Ben Matulino, Sam Rapira and Jerome Ropati.

Tongan international Ukuma Ta’ai, New Zealand Maori rep Russell Packer, Queensland State of Origin player Jacob Lillyman and Australian Prime Minister’s XIII players James Maloney and Michael Luck have also made the selection. Luck will captain the team.

Outstanding newcomers from last week’s Pike River Mine charity match in Greymouth, Glen Fisiiahi and Pita Godinet are also in the squad and will take the field.

Kiwis’ coach Stephen Kearney will be fielding his first NRL selection since being appointed as Parramatta coach, adding extra interest to the match.

Mr McLeod says local fans will get a double dose of top rugby league for their money with the current Toyota Cup premiership champions - the Vodafone 'Junior Warriors' - in action against Wellington Rugby League Academy in the curtain raiser.

Tickets for Saturday's Warriors v Eels pre-season clash will be on sale at the stadium from 4pm on Friday [11 February] ahead of the Warriors open training session, and are also available from Ticketmaster outlets and Mad Butcher stores in Rotorua.

Tickets bought in advance are $15 for adults and $5 for children general admission, or in the grandstand $20 for adults and $10 for children. Family concession tickets (two adults and two children) are $35 general admission and $50 in the grandstand if purchased ahead of match day.

The Vodafone Warriors vs Parramatta Eels match kicks off at 5pm on Saturday 12 February at Rotorua International Stadium, with the Junior Warriors’ vs Wellington Rugby League Academy curtain raiser starting at 3pm.

 
[Ends]

_

© Scoop Media