Simon Mannering one of the greats
For a man who gave so much to the black and white jersey, it’s unfair that Simon Mannering’s final act for the Kiwis came during last year’s World Cup debacle. Sports is cruel like that sometimes. But regardless of how things finished, it takes nothing away from what Mannering achieved at test level.
His first Kiwis campaign in the 2006 Tri-Nations coincided with the retirements of Ruben Wiki and Stacey Jones, two of the greatest to play for New Zealand. As he retires from the international arena, Mannering departs on the same level. His 45 tests make him fourth on New Zealand’s all-time list of caps, but few have enjoyed as much success as Mannering.
The Kiwis enjoyed a golden age between 2008-2015 and he was at the forefront throughout.
Starring out in the centres, he was never going to blow anyone way with blinding pace, even as a youngster. But his reliability in defence proved crucial as the Kiwis stunned Australia to win the 2008 World Cup, and again two years later in the Four Nations final.
Mannering was always destined for the back-row, though. You could write an entire book praising his tireless work ethic but the fact Stephen Kearney mentioned him in the same breath on Tuesday as Mark Graham, arguably the Kiwis’ greatest ever forward, says it all.
As a captain, Mannering’s understated style may not have worked well with the media but he was an inspirational figure to his teammates. You wouldn’t find a player who wouldn’t follow him into battle.
And along with Kearney, he played a key role in rebuilding the Kiwis culture following the 2013 World Cup, which resulted in another Four Nations title, three-straight wins over the Kangaroos and a place at the top of the rankings.
His decision comes as Kiwis coach Michael Maguire prepares to name his squad for next week’s test against England in Denver.
And with Russell Parker and Ben Matulino also stepping down from test football, it has left Maguire a little light in the forwards.
But if anyone has earned the right to put his own interests ahead of the team, it is Mannering.
The 31-year-old is still weighing whether to re-sign with the Warriors and the move could help prolong his club career. There is no doubt his body would certainly benefit from a full pre-season without any representative commitments.
It has been a challenging first half of the season for the Mannering. A shoulder injury kept him out of the opening four rounds and he has since had to adjust to a new role coming off the bench.
There were signs against Manly last week that he was getting back to his best. And yesterday’s decision allows him to build on that display and focus all his energy on getting the Warriors back to the finals. But if he does decide to call it quits at the end of the season, hopefully he gets the send-off he deserves.
Mannering retires from Kiwis p31