Mannering joins Broncos coaching staff

Simon Mannering finished his playing career as a one-club man but when it comes to coaching, it’s a different story for the Warriors legend.

Mannering has accepted an offer from former Kiwi Ferns coach and current Broncos women’s team mentor Kelvin Wright to join him as an assistant in Brisbane for the upcoming NRLW campaign.

The move was partly aided by Mannering’s new geographic location. After 301 games for the Warriors and 45 tests for the Kiwis, the 33-year-old retired last year and moved his family to Kingscliff in northern NSW.

But Mannering, who assisted Wright with the Kiwi Ferns at the end of last year, is excited to get back involved in the game and is looking forward to seeing how another club operates.

‘‘When I retired my partner and I didn’t know what we were going to do. We were both keen to get out of Auckland and have a bit of a break with footy being very intense for years,’’ he told Nrl.com.

‘‘You play for so long and the next progression from that is to get back into the game in some capacity.

‘‘I’m learning and hopefully the girls are learning something from me.’’

Wright and Mannering have a hard act to follow after Brisbane won the inaugural NRLW title last year under Paul Dyer.

Wright has been sure to maintain a strong local flavour on the coaching staff, with Broncos great Corey Parker also taking up an assistant role.

‘‘Having Simon and Corey on board the players have responded well and the women given the opportunities are embracing learning new stuff,’’ Wright told Nrl.com.

The NRLW, which includes Brisbane, the Warriors, Roosters and Dragons, gets under way next week and runs alongside the NRL finals series.