Manu Vatuvei's dream of playing in a Challenge Cup final in his first English Super League season has been dashed after a loss to a Wigan side fielding his former Warriors team-mates Thomas Leuluai and Sam Tomkins.
Vatuvei made his debut for the Salford Red Devils in the 27-14 semifinal defeat at Wigan on Sunday (Monday NZ Time).
Salford - playing their first semifinal for 19 years - were stung by two early Wigan tries as the Warriors raced out to a 12-0 lead.
But Salford, who finished fourth in the Super League minor premiership, surged back with tries to Greg Johnson and Tyrone McCarthy and three goals to Michael Dobson to lead 14-12 at halftime.
Wigan went on to score 15 unanswered points in the second spell with George Williams tying the score with a penalty goal before hooker Michael McIlorum dotted down after wing Joe Burgess' deft chip kick.
Tomkins, who had two seasons in New Zealand with the Warriors, was outstanding and snapped a field goal to give Wigan an important points buffer before Gildart crossed for a second time in the final minute.
Auckland-born former Melbourne Storm utility Willie Isa was among Wigan's four try scorers.
Vatuvei, who scored 152 tries in 226 games for the Warriors, played on the left wing outside former Kiwis centre Junior Sa'u while Wigan fielded ex-Kiwis prop Frank-Paul Nu'uausala.
Wigan advanced to their 31st Challenge Cup final against holders Hull at Wembley on August 26.
They will be seeking their 20th win after last taking the title in 2013 with a 16-0 victory over Hull.
Leuluai - already a Challenge Cup winner with Wigan in 2011 - will meet another former NZ Warrior teammate in next month's final. Standoff Carlos Tuimavave is seeking his second successive winner's medal with Hull.
AT A GLANCE
Wigan Warriors 27 (Oliver Gildart 2, Willie Isa, Michael McIlorum tries; George Williams 5 goals; Sam Tomkins field goal) Salford 14 (Greg Johnson, Tyrone McCarthy tries; Michael Dobson 3 goals). HT: Salford 14-12.
Photo by: Anthony Au-Yeung (Manu Vatuvei was on the losing side on debut for new club Salford Red Devils in the Challenge Cup semifinal against Wigan).