Misili 'The Missile' Manu joins
Widnes Vikings

Not since the days of Widnes's legend Martin Offiah have the Vikings had a left winger with genuine pace.

However, with the arrival of Misili 'The Missile' Manu the Vikings are blessed with a real speed king who last year topped the try scoring charts in New Zealand's Bartercard Cup.

Manu is in fact an international-class sprinter and according to the Vikings, has a 'serious claim to the title of Super League's fastest man'.

And judging by his personal best of 10.52 over 100 metres and 21.68 for 200 metres, it seems as though Manu could snatch the coveted trophy from St Helens's Darren Albert.

The two speedsters look set to clash in tonight's friendly at the Halton Stadium but Manu is more focused on the team rather than personal battles.

He said: 'Super League is a new experience for me and I have joined the club with the intentions of making me a better player.

'It is a tough competition with some top players and I'm looking forward to playing against them.'

Manu, who was born in Samoa, moved to New Zealand and grew up in Auckland.

But despite his move overseas, Manu did not forget his Samoan roots.

When his sprinting career started to take off, at the age of 21, he represented his native Western Samoa in the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games.

His athletics exploits have taken Manu round the globe. He has figured in the World Championships and has represented his country on the Oceania Grand Prix circuit.

However, the winger has ended up in Widnes after Frank Endacott noticed his huge potential while Manu was playing rugby in New Zealand.

Manu could not be happier being in the town and with the Vikings.

He is hoping his rugby league career will reach similar heights to those he enjoyed as a sprinter.

Manu said: 'I'm here to play for this club, do my best and score tries. I have enjoyed the experience so far and I am looking forward to forthcoming games.'

Manu came to the club with a tremendous reputation for pace but insists the pressure of being labelled a 'speed king' does not faze him.

He said: 'The pressure to turn on the pace does not bother me at all. I'm just looking forward to getting out there and showing the fans what I can do.

'It will happen - the fans will see me in flight as long as I get the service.

'I am aware of Martin Offiah and his time at Widnes and he was a great winger - hopefully I can get a couple of tries like he used to produce. But I'm here to win and learn and take the advice given by coaches and players.'