Coaching out but role at club likely
Simon Mannering is prepared for life in the real world but wants to continue to work for the Warriors once he retires from football.
The tireless and hard-working forward has been juggling football while studying quantity surveying, but is keen to share his wealth of NRL experience in a yet-to-be defined role with the club next year.
Coach Stephen Kearney can breathe easy however, as Mannering insists life behind the clipboard holds zero appeal, although some kind of player development role could be in the pipeline.
“It’s a scary thought and I can see how so many guys struggle with that transition from playing to a real job,” said Mannering.
“I’ve got no desires to be a head coach. That’s more bloody stressful than being a player.
“But I’d love to give back to the game in some way. I’ve spent 14 years here learning a trade and it would be silly for me to turn my back on it and not give back what I’ve learned.
“I’d love to give back and help some kids because I know when I was younger I had people help me and without that help I wouldn’t have had the opportunities that I’ve had in life,” said Mannering. “So I’d find that really rewarding. If I could help some kids or point them in the right direction then I’d be really satisfied with that.
“I’ll always be a Warrior. Nothing’s going to change that. I’ll support this club through thick and thin.”
Warriors CEO Cameron George is not sure where Mannering will slot in but believes the club can’t afford to lose him.
“We’ve had some discussions about what that role might be and that will be determined in due course,” said George.
“He’s got all the traits and skills to help the organisation going forward and has so much to offer the club.”
Outside football, Mannering has previously been keen on carpentry, but believes quantity surveying is a more realistic option.
His only regret in 14 years at the top of his game is that he didn’t begin studying earlier in life.
“Hindsight’s a beautiful thing and I wish I had started when I was 21,” he said.
“I’ve always wanted to do some kind of trade and started studying quantity surveying because I couldn’t do the hours as a builder, so that was the next best thing. But I’m nowhere near qualified.”