He previously played for the Newcastle Knights and Gold Coast Titans in the National Rugby League, and the Leigh Centurions in the Championship.

[12][13] Vaivai went on to play five more games in 2015, but at the end of the season, was released a year early from his Newcastle contract,[14][15] due to being arrested for allegedly taking part in what was reported as an out-of-control brawl.

[17] In September, after impressing in the Queensland Cup, he signed a one-year contract with the Gold Coast Titans starting in 2017.

[19] In October, he signed a two-year contract with the Leigh Centurions in the Kingstone Press Championship, starting in 2018.

[23] He re-signed with the Te Atatū club again in 2024 being responsible for training the side and played in their debut win over Richmond on April 6.