In his first interview since leaving New Zealand, Manu Vatuvei says he can't wait to get out on the field to prove himself to his new club, the Salford Red Devils.
Vatuvei was farewelled from Mt Smart Stadium on Friday night after 13 years with the Warriors, granted an early release so he could join the Red Devils for their Super League finals campaign.
Looking likely to make his debut for the side in their match against Leigh Centurions on Saturday (NZT), the 31-year-old said it all felt a little surreal.
"I actually had a sleep and woke up and thought it was a dream," Vatuvei told the club's TV channel.
"It wasn't. Being at a club for a long time, it's weird leaving but I just thought it was something I needed, something fresh."
The arrival of Stephen Kearney at the Warriors following last year's NRL season saw Vatuvei fall out of favour at the club.
Coupled with his mounting injury problems, Vatuvei struggled to get consistent time on the park, something he hoped wouldn't continue at his new club.
"I just want to make sure I do everything as best as I can for the new club. I don't want to come here and not perform and not do my job and what's required from me. I just can't wait to show what I can do."
"I'm looking forward to playing consistent footy and adopting what were my normal goals at the Warriors."
However, Vatuvei admitted to not doing too much research on his new home town, or who Salford would likely be playing in the finals.
"I'm looking forward to going around and seeing everything, getting familiar with the area. I'll be here for a while now so I want to make sure I know the good places for a feed and all that with the boys, and good coffee.
"I have no idea [about the finals], all I know is I'll get to run out on the field with the boys and I just have to make sure we have a good season this year and we finish strong.
"That's all I'll focus on and hopefully make the boys proud and the club proud that I was a good signing."
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