NRL: Fresh Vatuvei ready to fire

Manu Vatuvei. Photo / Getty Images

Manu Vatuvei is an expert in anatomy.

That's because, among other things, he's injured his ankles, both knees (multiple times), his shoulder, sternum, ribs and broken his arm and his leg. Last month he added to that list with a fractured wrist.

The world's best winger has established an incredible record since making his NRL debut in 2004 (88 tries in 128 NRL games) but it's hard not to escape the feeling it could be so much better. Vatuvei has had so many injuries throughout his career, it's hard to remember a year when he's been injury-free. Just as it seems he's getting back to full fitness, he breaks down again or is the victim of more bad luck.

He's hardly a twig. At 189cm and 112kg, it's pretty obvious why he's known as The Beast. But his size also means it puts pressure on his body.

"Sometimes it feels like something happens just I'm about to get going again," he says "But that's how I train and play. It's what we do.

"I have to look after my body really well, especially after I have been battered a bit, but there are other guys in the team who have had much worse than me so I'm not too worried about it. It's part of the job."

Vatuvei is back on the job tomorrow night, when the Warriors take on the Broncos in the first weekend of the playoffs in Brisbane. He might have played last weekend against the Cowboys but it was decided not to risk one of their prized assets.

One spinoff is the fact Vatuvei is feeling fresher than he normally does at this time of the season, and certainly fresher than the likes of Simon Mannering and Ben Matulino who suit up every week.

The 25-year-old Vatuvei has had a quiet year by his standards, scoring 10 tries in 15 games - he scored 20 in 19 games last year - but much of that has to do with the attention he now courts from opposition defences.

It's not uncommon to see three or four defenders clinging onto him to nullify his influence. It might mean Vatuvei is less prolific but it opens up possibilities for his team-mates.

"I think I'm being targeted a bit more," he says. "I think they are putting more defenders on me. Every year they have targeted me. I can't play my natural game. I have to change it up every time.

"Every time i go on the field I try to draw as many defenders as I can and try to get a quick play the ball for the boys. It's what I have to do. There are a few carries I am scared of taking because all the props are lining up to smash me but I have to do my job and take my cut for the team."

Coach Ivan Cleary has some sympathy for his highest-profile player.

"It is pretty obvious when you watch him play there are no soft collisions," Cleary said. "He is looking really good at the moment so hopefully he will be better."

The Warriors don't have to rely totally on Vatuvei. Last week's 18-6 win over the Cowboys was rated by Cleary as their best this season and they go into the match on the back of seven wins in their past nine games. One of those losses was a nailbiting 21-20 defeat to the Broncos in Brisbane, and they won't be overawed by the fact they are up against the most successful clubs in the modern era and a side determined to win another title for the retiring Darren Lockyer.

"I think we're more ready this year," Cleary said. "We're a better team in almost all areas."