Veteran backed to ‘play forever’

Stephen Kearney says Simon Mannering’s reduced role could help prolong his career as he backed the Warriors legend to play on beyond this year.

Mannering, off-contract at the end of the season, last week revealed that he is contemplating retirement and plans to use next week’s bye to make a decision on his future.

While the 31-year-old back-rower has been named in the starting side for Saturday’s clash against the Rabbitohs, he has been used in an unaccustomed role off the bench for the last three weeks as Tohu Harris, Adam Blair and young gun Isaiah Papali’i were preferred in the back-row.

With Mannering renowned for his immense work-rate throughout his 14 years in the NRL, it is a strategy Kearney has employed to manage his workload along with fellow veteran Blair.

But that does not mean the Warriors coach believes Mannering’s career is coming to an end.

‘‘I wish he could play forever. Simon will get no argument from me,’’ Kearney said.

‘‘Personally, I think he has got time [left] in him but he’s made a fair few tackles and played a fair few games so I’m not in the position that he’s in.’’

Mannering is on track to become the first to play 300 NRL games for the Warriors at the end of the season, and most of those have been 80-minute efforts.

With more senior players at the club this year to help share the load, he has averaged 66 minutes across his seven appearances.

But up against a Rabbitohs side who have won five of their last six matches and Papali’i, who has dropped back to the bench, still finding his feet in first grade, Kearney may need everything he can get out of the 44-test Kiwis veteran this weekend.

‘‘Young Isaiah, he’s played 12 NRL games and he’s been playing some big time for us,’’ the coach said.

‘‘He’s not quite as used to the rigours of it all as someone like Simon. It’s just getting that balance right to make sure we get the best for the footy team.’’

Meanwhile, after battling through a lower leg injury to take the field against Parramatta last week, halfback Mason Lino is again in doubt after straining his leg during the 24-14 win.

The 24-year-old was put through light training this week and will be monitored over the coming days.

But with regular No 7 Shaun Johnson still sidelined with an ankle injury, centre Peta Hiku may have to slot into the halves if Lino is ruled out.

That would mean a third different position in as many weeks for the versatile Hiku, who filled in admirably at fullback last week while skipper Roger Tuivasa-Sheck was on baby watch.