He is in camp with Tonga ahead of Saturday's test with Fiji, but a clash with New Zealand is looming if he is also named to the Kiwi World Cup squad.
It is a situation many players of his calibre are facing, and some have criticised a system that allows such a choice.
He has played his entire club career with the New Zealand Warriors and 29 times for New Zealand, where he was born.
But changes to Rugby League's eligibility rules have opened the way for Manu Vatuvei (MAH-noo VAH-too-vie) to now represent his heritage when Tonga faces Fiji on Saturday. (may 6)
"It's going to be a really special moment for myself. I know I've played for the Kiwis, but, even though I've played for them, putting that jersey on, (I'm) always representing my heritage, and that's Tonga. So, to finally get to put the red-and-white jersey on for the first time is going to be a really special moment for myself and my family."
Fellow NRL stars Will Hopoate, Michael Jennings and Daniel Tupou are also in training ahead of the Fiji clash.
Tupou says it will give them a chance to give back to the nation that has shaped their identity.
"It's exciting, and just to know where your family's background is and to represent our little country is massive. Obviously, I've played a World Cup, and this will be my first test this Saturday, so I'm definitely looking forward to it, and I'm sure the whole family will come out in support."
But not everyone is excited by the changes to the rules.
Some critics have argued the movement of players between so-called "second-tier" and "first-tier" nations could devalue the meaning of playing international Rugby League.
On the one hand are teams such as Samoa, Tonga and Fiji, and, on the other hand, teams like New Zealand and Australia.
But Tonga's coach Kristian Woolf says the change does more good than harm.
"It's certainly not a black-and-white issue there, the eligibility. Those sorts of guys who were born in Tonga and grow up in New Zealand, or spend the majority of their lives in New Zealand, have a real connection to both countries, and I think it's a real honour for them to represent both countries as well. And I think we all want all the best players playing in a World Cup, and I think we all want the best players playing this weekend as well."
If the new rules mean some big names are named to Tonga's final World Cup squad, emerging Penrith Panthers hooker Sione Katoa says he could not be happier.
"It's going to give me confidence and help me better my own game and just learn little things off these blokes. You know, they've done it all. Whoever makes the team, it'll be awesome to get in that World Cup team. Like you say, we've got the boys like Manu and all those type of boys to play alongside, so it will be pretty awesome."
The rights and wrongs of the system will be debated as the World Cup gets closer.
But, for now, the chance to represent the country of his parents' heritage when Tonga plays Fiji this weekend is all Manu Vatuvei is worried about.
"I'm just concentrating on what I have to do now, and that's playing really well for Tonga against Fiji. So, that's something I'll work hard for, and we've just got to take it week by week, and, hopefully, things go well."
In all, 19 teams will line up for the World Cup, running from October the 26th until December the 2nd.
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