League: The Beast ace in pack for Nines?

Manu Vatuvei is keen to play in the Auckland Nines. Photo / Getty Images

The Warriors might unveil a not-so-secret weapon at the Auckland Nines later this month.

Giant winger Manu Vatuvei is keen to feature at the Eden Park event, after missing the weekend extravaganza in 2014. Niggling injuries precluded his participation at the inaugural nines but the Beast is desperate to play this year.

"I definitely want to give it a go," Vatuvei said. "I have told Cappy [coach Andrew McFadden] I'm really keen. I see it as another challenge and I'd like to be a part of it."

Vatuvei also thinks it's something that could help him in the NRL season proper - even with his much-maligned defensive skills.

"I think getting ready for it will motivate me to train even harder," Vatuvei said. "And with only nine players on the field, defence is a big part of the game. That is still a weak point of my game, so it would be a big challenge but [something] I would love."

Vatuvei could be an effective nines player, given his ability to break tackles, drag in defenders and offload. But he would probably have to be used in the forwards rather than be exposed out wide.

He recalls playing in the pack only once in his career, as a 16-year-old for "10 or 15 minutes" for an Auckland development side.

"It would be hard work in there, for sure. I'd be feeling the pain so just short bursts, I think," Vatuvei laughed.

The final 18-man squads need to be submitted to the NRL next week. McFadden says Vatuvei is "definitely in contention".

"Manu would be an ideal person to play nines," he said. "He's big, fast, powerful and skilful. I know he wants to be involved but it depends on whether he's ready to play."

Like the rest of the test players at the Warriors, Vatuvei returned to training only last week. He also carries a long history of injuries, and his knees and hamstrings have to be managed carefully over a long season. That is what McFadden needs to weigh up whether it's worth the gamble of using the club's No1 winger so early in the season.

"Having the extra two players in the nines squad [increased from 16 to 18 this year] certainly helps his cause," he said. "It means he wouldn't have to play every game. But it's pretty simple. We need to see how he shapes up over the next few weeks and whether he will be ready to go."

Shaun Johnson and Sam Tomkins are also likely to play, so the addition of Vatuvei would mean the Auckland club would have three of their top-five earners featuring in the competition.

Contractual rules state that teams must include at least one of their top-five salaried players.

Vatuvei says he's raring to go after a prolonged break. He enjoyed a family holiday in Rarotonga and admits the feel-good effects of the Four Nations campaign are still resonating.

"I'm still pumped from everything that happened," said Vatuvei, who scored two tries in the 22-18 win over Australia in the final. "It was such a great feeling and an important moment for the Kiwi boys. We want that feeling back again this year."