Warriors boss Stephen Kearney says there’s only one way his side can honour Simon Mannering’s record-breaking 262nd NRL appearance.
And that’s to play more like Simon Mannering.
“No complaints, no issues, no dramas – he just gets the job done every week and the players want to respect that and what he’s contributed,” Kearney said.
The 30-year-old lock will run out in Warriors colours for the 262nd time against the Dragons on Sunday, surpassing Stacey Jones’ club appearances record.
In that time the Nelson native, who was captain for six years between 2010 and 2015, has picked up a record five Warriors player of the year gongs in 12 seasons.
He is the only player to have won the award more than twice, and earned last year’s title on the back of averaging almost 50 tackles across 22 games.
But he’d trade it all away for more club silverware if he could.
Only a 2008 World Cup winners’ medal and two Four Nations medals for New Zealand sit in Mannering’s personal trophy cabinet.
“Unfortunately it hasn’t been the case, but hopefully I’ve still got a chance to do something,” Mannering told reporters.
Having grown up idolising the quick-thinking Jones, Mannering admitted it was a little surreal to overtake The Little General in NRL appearances.
At first he was indifferent to the milestone, but then began to realise the magnitude of standing alongside Jones in Warriors folklore.
“That is special and that’s what hits home, getting my name mentioned alongside his name – he’s such a legend of the club,” Mannering said.
“He’ll still be the greatest Warrior we’ve had.”
Mannering said he’d like no more than to celebrate his achievement with victory over the Dragons, who have hit the ground running with two wins from three.
The Warriors, meanwhile, have spluttered to successive losses against Melbourne and Canterbury and must urgently improve across the park.
Mannering felt he and the rest of the Warriors forward pack needed to find more ways to get the best out of their star-studded backline.
“It’s just doing the basics right which is just laying a platform, you can’t take that for granted, all the play comes off that,” Mannering said.
James Ditchfield
Roar Rookie
Well deserved. Still think he's one of the most underrated players in the comp. Out of sight, out of mind it seems. Rarely comes up in the regular discussions about best forwards in the NRL, but he's up there.
kk
Roar Pro
Simon Mannering is the type of player every recruiter would have as a top priority. Very few players have given as much of themselves to code and club. Could you imagine the Warriors without Simon. Strewth!
Crosscoder
Roar Guru
The guy reminds me of Wayne Pearce in some ways, works damn hard for the full 80m,not a game breaker, but the sort of bloke with leadership qualities, with the follow me approach. A credit to himself and his club.Should be more of them.
Jacko
Guest
Only a 2008 World Cup winners’ medal and two Four Nations medals for New Zealand sit in Mannering’s personal trophy cabinet. Haha yeah nothing much eh? Seems like a pretty good record to me. He is a legend of the Warriors and of NZ League. Hopefully ONLY another WC winners medal later in the year
BigJ
Roar Guru
This should boost the warriors this weekend to get a much needed win. Mannering has no doubt been their most consistent player for years and made me number three on my top ten warriors list. I really hope he can get the win
Succhi
Guest
Mannering has been a real stand out for the Warriors, shame his attitude and energy hasn't been duplicated throughout the team. I don't follow the Warriors, but would love to see them do better - plenty of talent, just never seem to fire.