Although only 31 years old, Kiwi legend Simon Mannering’s international career is nearing the end.
After 44 Tests since debuting in 2006, Mannering approached this season keen to get another opportunity in the New Zealand jersey after last season’s disappointing World Cup campaign.
Mannering has been a mainstay in the side for over a decade, scoring six tries in the process. Mannering’s time in the national side has coincided with one of the most successful periods ever for the Kiwis, who have chalked up one world cup win and a Four Nations victory in that time.
With ‘Father Time’ catching up with the workhorse veteran, Mannering had shown initial interest in the Denver Test, declaring his availability after becoming injury free earlier this season.
His declaration was noted by new coach Michael Maguire, who was himself looking to re-energise the team going forward. However, despite the Warriors’ stellar domestic form throughout the early stages of the season, their most-capped player was adjudged to not fit with Maguire’s plans.
Maguire’s first season in charge starts in the USA and ends in the United Kingdom later in the year with a three-Test series against England.
Mannering is also contemplating his NRL playing future and is off contract with the Warriors this season.
With a lot on his mind, the hugely popular second rower has delayed a retirement decision as of yet.
Needing only 12 more matches to bring up 300 first grade appearances for the Warriors, Mannering should still have something to celebrate towards the end of the season.
But unfortunately it would appear a successful sign-off from international rugby league will not be forthcoming, with Mannering set to miss selection in Maguire’s first New Zealand squad to be named within the fortnight.
With the Warriors’ high-flying season continuing, it remains to be seen whether Mannering will be able to do what no-one in NRL history has ever done – take the Warriors to a grand final victory.
Percycutor
Roar Pro
Whare
Percycutor
Roar Pro
Mannering is leaning towards retiring from all Rugby League at the end of this season.
Percycutor
Roar Pro
The author knows the many minutes and heavy defensive workload that Mannering has had for more than a decade has caught up with him. In a case by case basis yes 31 is not too old to continue. 'Mannering's international career is nearing the end' that's what I stated. It has to be mentioned because Maguire is set to overlook him, despite the KIWI great being available. The article wasn't stating Mannering is too old.
Percycutor
Roar Pro
Rory I'm NZ based. Maguire is between countries and has stated he intends to look after the grassroots of NZRL but is also open to an NRL coaching gig 'when the right opportunity arises'. What that does to his KIWIS position who knows.
Aem
Guest
Why Tohu, out of interest? Simon actually has played centre quite a bit (more than 60 times between NRL and Kiwis), including a World Cup final victory. Tohu's possibly the best edge forward in the game, certainly one of the top tier. I wouldn't move him out of his best position when the other option has played quite a bit of centre and done it well. Really, though, Simon is a quality plug and play guy across a bunch of potential positions. There will be a spot for him somewhere, particularly with inevitable unavailabilities and guys of Tongan heritage choosing Mate Ma'a.
Chris Love
Guest
If a forward was to be used in the centres it would be Tohu Harris. I think Mannering is still in the best 13 NZ has to offer and remember he’s still coming back from a fairly lengthy injury at the start of the season. I’d pick him for the test for sure.
Aem
Guest
Proctor been average at best since leaving the Storm, Tohu actually got better but been in the wars injury-wise for the past 18 months, Tapine... can he be trusted to not be suspended? Taumalolo & Mau I expect to play for Tonga, leaving JFH playing 13 (or alternating there with Blair... *sigh*). Ofahengaue wants to play for Qld (and is a prop anyway), Paasi is a prop. RFM & CHN could be a fun duo to watch running at the edges... questions in defence though - particularly RFM. Simon is struggling to maintain his spot in the Warriors pack (which, while a little better than the previous few years thanks to Paasi and Pulu plus the progress of Afoa, isn't a particularly good pack)... honestly, could he be used in the centres? (this is also a question for the Warriors I guess) - Hiku can't defend at centre, Whare has been iffy for a while and Beale still on the comeback trail from that horrific leg break. Marsters takes one centre spot... but the other seems wide open.
Akari
Roar Rookie
True but it might be IMO best for Mannering to concentrating on the Warriors quest to make the finals this year and a possible grand final appearance. Who knows as he might then be able to finally snag a GF championship.
Paul
Roar Guru
but Mannering on a bad day is better than most of these guys on their good days.
souvalis
Guest
Proctor Harris Tapine JFH Corey H-N Offengahue(?) Manu Ma’u Raymond F-M Paasi maybe even JT13...not short of options
Paul
Roar Guru
New Zealand are likely to take at least 4 or 5 second rowers to the USA and I'd be surprised if Mannering wasn't at least in the squad. Whether he gets a run in the Test side's another matter. I'm also wondering why the author seems to think turning 31 means his international career is nearing an end? I can think of a half dozen guys who have played some of their best football at this age or older, in the past 5 years.
RoryStorm
Guest
Could you tell us where you have got this information from please Percy! Are you NZ local. I read somewhere when Maguire got the job he was going to base himself in Auckland so he could get involved in all things to do with NZ RL. Is he residing over there now?
Percycutor
Roar Pro
Title should read “Maguire to move on from Mannering.”
peeko
Guest
"With the Warriors’ high-flying season continuing, it remains to be seen whether Mannering will be able to do what no-one in NRL history has ever done – take the Warriors to a grand final victory." high flying but on a downward trajectory, heading for a crash landing