Manu Vatuvei

The desire to keep playing at the top level still burns bright for Manu Vatuvei but the departing Warriors star admits the mental strain of the past 12 months has left him ready for a fresh start.

After 13 years and 226 games at the club, Vatuvei confirmed on Monday that he would be leaving Mt Smart for Salford in the UK this week after being granted an early release from his contract.

Long-serving Warriors winger Manu Vatuvei has been released from his contract and will link up with Salford in the English Super League.

The iconic try-scorer was originally contracted until the end of the 2018 NRL season but asked the Warriors for an early release in order to join Salford.

British media reported last week that a deal had been done between Vatuvei and Salford, who are owned by businessman and racehorse owner Marwan Koukash, are second on the Super League table.

The Red Devils, who are through to their first semi-final for 19 years, are thought to have agreed a deal to sign former Kiwis Test winger Vatuvei - nicknamed 'The Beast' - from the New Zealand Warriors.

It is understood Salford are waiting for the 31-year-old to receive his visa before announcing the signing.

However, they hope to have him in the country in time to make his Super League debut against Leigh on July 21, a week before they play Wigan for a place at Wembley.

With the 31-year-old having fallen behind Ken Maumalo, David Fusitu'a and rookie Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad in the race for a wing spot in the first-grade side, there have been suggestions that Vatuvei could bring his 226 games worth of experience to the pack as an impact forward off the bench.

Still without experienced prop Ben Matulino due to injury, and with his forwards having struggled at times to assert themselves in contests against the Knights and Storm, Kearney's inclusion of the 109kg Vatuvei effectively gives the Warriors another middle forward to lean on early in tackle counts.

After more than a month since his last NRL Telstra Premiership appearance – spent on medical leave following his punishment for failing to meet team standards – the 216-game veteran was back to help the Kiwi side produce their best performance of the year in a 36-18 victory over Brisbane.

After the win coach Andrew McFadden paid tribute to the hulking winger, while Shaun Johnson, Tuimoala Lolohea, Solomone Kata and captain Ryan Hoffman all joined him in showing their admiration for Vatuvei.