Former NZ Warriors star Manu Vatuvei will be released from prison on parole and could return to his former NRL club in a mentoring role.
Warriors chief executive Cameron George has told Newshub they acknowledge he has made some bad decisions and they don't condone them, but others could learn from his experiences.
"If we can use the lessons he has learned to make better futures for young aspiring athletes, that's important for the NZ sporting landscape," he said.
Vatuvei, 37, was jailed for three years for importing methamphetamine in 2022, but is expected to be released on May 31, under special conditions until 2025.
Upon release, his special conditions will include not using or possessing drugs or alcohol, and not communicating with any gang members or his brother, unless under prior approval.
Brother Lopini Mafi is currently serving seven years and two months in prison for his part in the operation, which was described as a leading role.
Vatuvei, nicknamed 'The Beast', played 226 games for the Warriors, scoring a record 152 tries. He represented New Zealand in 29 tests and played two for Mate Ma'a Tonga, before persistent injuries saw him retire in 2017.
Two years later, Vatuvei became a fan favourite on Dancing with the Stars and went on to win the competition.
He initially maintained his innocence of the drug charges, saying in the Instagram post: "In 2019, I was charged with importation, possession and supply of methamphetamine.
"All these charges are accusations and I'll be fighting my innocence for all these charges."
But in October, he admitted importing the Class A drug, pleading guilty to one representative charge of methamphetamine importation.
