Mannering: Kiwis want to make New Zealand proud

Kiwis veteran Simon Mannering is determined restore some pride and belief in the black and white jersey, starting in today’s Rugby League World Cup opener against Samoa.

The 31-year-old Warriors lock says the upcoming campaign presents an opportunity for the Kiwis to regain the support of the New Zealand public after a poor run of results and off-field dramas over the last 12 months tarnished their reputation.

The Kiwis head into the Mt Smart Stadium clash having won just one of their last six encounters under coach David Kidwell and desperate for redemption after former captain Jesse Bromwich and back-rower Kevin Proctor were caught up in a drugs scandal following the Anzac test in May.

With the Warriors also struggling for results in recent years the game has taken a significant hit on these shores, and Mannering admits the Kiwis have a point to prove. “We just want to make New Zealand proud of the Kiwis team,” said Mannering. “For sure we’ve had times in the past where we’ve let them down with our performance and we just want a country that’s proud of their team.

“We’re going out there to put in a good performance for New Zealand and for our teammates and supporters.”

The former Kiwis captain’s experience will be vital against a Samoan side chock full of size and power although, as hard as it is to believe, his involvement in the World Cup was a point of intense debate for national selectors.