Kearney: I wish Mannering could play forever

On the subject of Simon Mannering’s future, Warriors coach Stephen Kearney is unequivocal.

Time is ticking for the off contract veteran, who has committed to making a decision on his plans beyond this season in the next few weeks.

The 31-year-old has previously hinted he is contemplating retirement, but Kearney hopes that is not the case.

“I wish he could play forever — that is what I am saying but the reality is that isn’t going to happen,” said Kearney. “But it’s his call. It doesn’t matter about my thoughts because it is up to him.”

It’s a tough call. Mannering has always been wary of hanging on too long — not wanting to “get in the way” of young players coming through — but still has a lot to offer.

And while he has suffered plenty of wear and tear across his 287-game career, the long-awaited success in 2018 might also be a fillip.

“It’s a big decision and as a footy club we’ll support him [as] best we can, whichever decision he makes,” said Kearney. “I think he has got time in him. But he has made a fair few tackles and played a fair few games so I’m not in the position that he’s in.”

Mannering has had a fractured season so far. He missed the first four games due to injury, and since then has mostly started from the bench, an unfamiliar position for the veteran. He played himself to a standstill over the last three seasons — averaging more than 40 tackles a game — so easing up on the workload could be a smart move.

Mannering is also the ideal utility, able to cover second row, lock and, at a pinch, centre. He’s also the perfect man for the big games. If the Warriors do feature in September football this year, then the former skipper is the kind of player you’d want in the 17.

Kearney said he plans to sit down with Mannering early next week to “see where he is at”, with a decision expected soon after that.