Former Salford winger and New Zealand international faces potential life in jail

Former New Zealand Warriors hero and Salfod winger Manu Vatuvei has revealed himself as the sportsman facing a string of methamphetamine charges.

The former Warrior played 29 Tests for New Zealand and two more for Tonga and also made eight appearances for Salford in Super League. The ex-winger has been charged with possessing methamphetamine for supply and importing the Class A drug, according to Fox Sports.

Vatuvei has denied the charges, which were handed to him in December 2019. Vatuvei, who has fought to keep his identity a secret, took to Instagram 48 hours ahead of his deadline to take his fight to the Court of Appeal to tell his followers about the charges.

“In 2019 I was charged with importation, possession and supply of methamphetamine,” Vatuvei said.

“All of these charges are accusations and I will be fighting my innocence for these charges.

“I know there’ll be a lot of questions … but I’ve been advised from my legal team that’s all I can talk about.”

The winger, who retired in 2018 following a 14-year career, could be jailed for life if convicted of the alleged offending.

Vatuvei was charged alongside two others. One faces two counts of importing methamphetamine, and one count of possession for supply. Another man is also facing charges.

The accused are set to go to trial later this year.