Warriors and Kiwis star Manu Vatuvei talks to msn.co.nz about joining the police, his fondness for Wendy's and the last Warriors player he would invite to a party.
Full name: Manu Mapuhola Mafi-Vatuvei
Nickname: Siana
Born: March 4, 1986 in Auckland
Relationship status: Married (to Jennifer)
Kids: My three-year-old daughter Makayla
What is the highlight of your career so far?
Winning the World Cup with the Kiwis in 2008 and playing for the All Stars this year.
What was the biggest setback of your career so far?
I haven't had one major setback but I have had various injuries which have stopped me playing a lot of games.
What has been the biggest setback of your career?
I haven't really had any. I've never missed a game through injury.
What do you enjoy about your job?
Being with mates, playing alongside them and, most all, just playing the game I love.
What do you hate about your job?
Nothing really apart from the fitness work sometimes.
Do you have any pre-match rituals?
I always call Jennifer and Makayla as I’m heading to the game.
Do you have a regular pre-match meal?
I usually have a sandwich or some fruit, depending on what I feel like. I always try to eat something.
Do you have a regular post-match treat?
There’s usually something nice in the dressing room straight after the match. Depending on how my weight is I like Wendy’s every now and then – and I like to have some kava.
What are your sporting ambitions?
I want to keep playing for the Vodafone Warriors for as long as I can and hopefully keep being selected for the Kiwis as well.
What is the best advice you've received?
It was from Ruben Wiki after I had a nightmare of a game against Parramatta in 2007 (Vatuvei had a bad dose of the dropsies). He told me if I ever make an error in a game I should think about my family, think about Jen and Makayla, and they’ll pick me up.
What is the worst advice you've received?
None that I can think of.
What is your most embarrassing sporting moment?
That match against Parramatta in 2007.
What are your favourite other sports?
Volleyball and touch.
Do you have a favourite sporting moment or memory?
Beating Australia to win the World Cup in Brisbane in 2008; it was awesome. And I loved the chance I had to play alongside so many of the games' best players in the All Stars this year.
Are there any sports you can't watch?
They’re all fine for me.
Who are your sporting heroes?
Jonah Lomu and Ruben Wiki.
Who are your non-sporting heroes?
My Dad.
What is your favourite website?
YouTube.
What is your favourite TV show?
The Simpsons.
What is your favourite movie?
None in particular, just thrillers and action movies.
Do you prefer music or games?
Both.
Do you buy CD's or prefer downloads?
Downloads.
What is the best gig you've been to?
Snoop Dog in Brisbane.
What was the last album you bought (or downloaded)?
Something from Smashproof.
What was the last book you read (or borrowed)?
Ruben Wiki's book.
What car do you drive?
Subaru WRX.
What is your dream car?
Range Rover.
Are you a technophobe or tech geek?
Well, I love technology but I’m not a geek.
Do you wear Speedos or shorts?
Shorts
Do you prefer beer or wine?
Beer
Do you prefer chips or chocolate?
Chocolate.
Who would be the first Warriors player you'd invite to a party?
Paddy Ah Van.
Who would be the last Warriors player you'd invite to a party?
Jimmy Maloney.
What would you be doing if you weren't playing league?
This is all I’ve known since leaving school so I don’t really know. When it’s all over I do want to become a policeman, though.
Where do you see yourself in five year's time?
Hopefully still playing for the Vodafone Warriors and representing my country if I’m playing well enough. If not, I hope I’m in the police.
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