Mannering can’t be our sole saviour: Kearney

Much has been made of Kieran Foran’s impact on the Warriors, but if the past two losses have shown anything it is that Simon Mannering remains the heart and soul of the side.

Without their workhorse in the middle, the Warriors have been horribly exposed in defence - first during the second-half meltdown against Penrith and then in the poor response against the Dragons last Friday in Hamilton

It is not just his stats, though. Mannering’s leadership is equally, if not more, important than the mountain of work he gets through, which is why his return from a hamstring injury to face the Broncos on Saturday would have been a calming sight for all involved at Mt Smart.

Stephen Kearney knows Mannering’s value as much as anyone. But, as glad as he is to have the him back for what is approaching must-win territory for the Warriors, he is only one player. And the coach is wary of not expecting too much from the 267-game veteran.

‘‘What I’m very mindful of is not for Simon to come back and fix the issue,’’ Kearney said.

‘‘We’ve got individuals that have to fix themselves so that’s been a priority this week, everyone owning their performances over the last week and a bit and making sure we move forward and improving.

‘‘Simon will help but it’s about everyone else making sure that they’ve got their games right.’’

Mannering’s inclusion was one of just a few changes as Kearney again opted against swinging the axe after another disappointing display.

James Gavet has come into the starting side for Queensland State of Origin forward Jacob Lillyman, while prop Albert Vete has replaced Charlie Gubb on the bench.

But Kearney is backing the players to rediscover the form that served them well in April. With confidence already low, Kearney believes making wholesale changes may only make it worse.

‘‘We’ve made a couple of subtle adjustments and made a couple of changes but the last thing I want to do is send panic through the foundation.

‘‘It’s important that we get them focusing on the task of getting their job done out on the field which we haven’t done a good enough job of the last couple of weeks. That’s how you build confidence.’’

Brisbane, meanwhile, arrive in Auckland sitting second in the standings but the Origin factor means the Warriors meet them at the best possible time.

TTQueensland has robbed Wayne Bennett of six of his best players, including including key trio Darius Boyd, Anthony Milford and Sam Thaiday, while influential hooker Andrew McCullough has been ruled out due to concussion.

That has led bookmakers to instil the Warriors as $1.45 favourites, despite their woeful form of late, with the visitors $2.60 outsiders.

But having worked as an assistant to Bennett for four years before joining the Warriors, Kearney knows all too well that the Brisbane super coach will have his team primed for a big performance.