Youngster puts career on hold for Mormon mission

The New Zealand Warriors have lost one of their promising players to his Mormon religion.

Back-rower Joseph Vuna is set to go on a Mormon mission for the next two years.

The 20-year-old will quit the game after he represents the Junior Kiwi's against Australia next week.

Vuna follows the likes of Will Hopoate, Young Tonumaipea and Jordan Rapana who have taken breaks from the game to fulfil their Mormon beliefs.

Born in the USA, Vuna moved to New Zealand with his family as a child and is the younger brother of ex-Wallaby and Tongan league international Cooper Vuna.

"It’s a pity because the kid is a good talent and was developing nicely," a Warriors source told Wide World of Sports.

"But we have to respect his beliefs and hopefully he will come back to the game in a couple of years."