Howdy Manu,

I've done a fair amount of tributes dedicated to you over my time here at the Niche Cache, more than anyone else has anywhere in the world that's for sure. Yup, I'm claiming that, come at me.

I've approached tributes dedicated to you in different ways, I've added variety and switched it up but I've kind of reached the point where I don't really know where to go in this tribute.

All I know is that a tribute is needed; you're the only player ever to score 10 tries and 10 consecutive season. Quite the achievement, it's rather astonishing to be honest but given that no one can stop you 5 metres out from the tryline, it's not that crazy really is it.

You have played 12 seasons, and scored 10 tries in the last 10 of those seasons.

The fact that your best footy has come in the second half of your career is also quite mind boggling. People thought that you would be destined for a move to the forwards as your career moved closer to its end than its beginning, but somehow, it must be the kava you have improved out of sight as you've gotten older.

You've past 15 tries in a season four times, twice in the past three seasons and I'd put dosh on you doing it again this season.

Each season brings something new from you, it's probably the work of coaches who want to get the best out of you. This season we're seeing you defend off the wing, mainly on tap restarts after a penalty. Perfect, you just get to whack someone, but the best thing about this is seeing you chase down ball from the marker position. The lion hunting its prey, stalking, then striking, which takes plenty of effort and I've seen you make effort after effort numerous times this season.

You've not only found ways to impact the game besides scoring tries and making metres, but you're now the perfect veteran. I'm sure you know, but Konrad Hurrell is Tongan, so is Solomone Kata he's Tongan too, Ken Maumalo oh yup, he's Tongan, Tuimoala Lolohea is also Tongan so is Glen Fisiiahi as well as David Fusitua, all Tongan. You're also Tongan.

That's pretty much our whole backline, and you're the top dog.

I've watched you go from being an eager youngster to a complete professional and you've embraced this life that being a professional athlete offers. Now, you've got the opportunity to pass on the lessons you've learned, to show them how to deal with the ups and downs, to show them how to have a long career in the NRL.

You're job as a battering ram of a winger is pretty simple, but you're importance to the Warriors is far from simple.

I'm sure you would love to pull on that Tongan jersey at some stage in your career, but I'm equally as happy that you are and will be a part of the best Kiwis team ever as I am about your NRL achievements. This Kiwis team is all about power in the forwards, and that's what you've built your career on, which is why you'll be an integral part of this team.

You deserve to have a premiership ring, but those don't come to those who deserve them.

You deserve to beat the Kangaroos a lot, to taste that feeling over and over again, which is a much more realistic chance of happening.

I'm sure I'll write another tribute sometime, until then, I've said it before and I'll go again, from one South Aucklander to another, thank you.

Cowabunga.