Simon Mannering Standing Down As Warriors Captain

Simon Mannering is standing down as Warriors captain and will be replaced by experienced Australian Ryan Hoffman.

Mannering will lead the Warriors for the last time in his home town of Nelson on Saturday against the Dragons in their final pre-season game before the NRL season. He has been captain for six seasons after taking over from Steve Price.

First appointed for the 2010 NRL campaign, the 29-year-old said he had indicated to coach Andrew McFadden last month that he wished to move aside to fully focus on his contribution as a player.

Mannering made the shock announcement to teammates today.

"That wasn't easy because the players and the club mean so much to me but I've been thinking about this throughout the offseason," he said. "While it has been a massive honour being captain, I wasn't enjoying my football and felt the responsibilities of the captaincy were a big factor in that.


"I told Cappy and [managing director] Jim [Doyle] that I thought it would be best for me and therefore best for the team if I was able to focus solely on my job as a player. They asked me to reconsider but my mind was made up and, to be honest, it's a relief. It has taken a big weight off me."

McFadden hadn't been planning on appointing a new captain.

"Our preference was for Simon to continue as our captain again this season," he said. "This is all about Simon, though. We totally respect this decision. After playing 236 games for the club, being our captain for six seasons and our player of the year four times, he has earned the right to make this call."

McFadden confirmed Hoffman, the club's most experienced player with 263 NRL appearances, as the new captain.

"He is an obvious replacement for Simon, a natural leader who brings all the qualities we want, one who plays for 80 minutes, is durable and has a fiercely competitive attitude," he said. "He has the respect and support of the players."

Hoffman, who joined the Warriors from Melbourne last season, said being made the club's captain was one the biggest highlights of his career.

"It's a huge honour and I'm totally humbled to be offered the job," he said. "It's a brave decision Simon has made. He's a terrific leader and player and I know he'll still be there as usual doing everything he can to help the team."

NZ Herald