Standing tall:

Warriors great Simon Mannering is not going to rush to a decision on his rugby league future.

The former Warriors and Kiwis captain, who is coming off contract at the end of the year, went into last week’s bye contemplating retirement and had previously indicated that he could make a call this week.

However, given the magnitude of the decision Mannering, understandably, needs more time and the club were happy to oblige.

‘‘With missing the start of the season, it’s taken me longer to sort out,’’ Mannering said. ‘‘With salary cap reasons I thought they needed to know sooner rather than later but they said take your time and I’m going to use it. It’s a big decision for me and my family.’’

The 31-year-old admitted the thought of not playing again was a scary one.

He is still relishing being out on the field but after 14 seasons in NRL, 288 appearances for the Warriors and 44 tests for the Kiwis, he is wary of staying on one year too many.

‘‘That’s the part I’m weighing up. You still want to offer something on the field,’’ he said.

‘‘Keeping your high standards and if you don’t think you’re physically up to that then I wouldn’t want to be taking anyone’s spot in the team or holding the team back in any way.

‘‘Time will tell further into the season. I’ll know then how the body’s feeling – if it’s up to another 12 months or so of what is necessary to play another NRL season.’’

After missing the first four rounds due to a shoulder injury, Mannering has been forced to adjust to a new role off the bench with Stephen Kearney preferring to start 19-yearold back-rower Isaiah Papali’i.

He started the last match against South Sydney but has again been named on the interchange for Saturday’s game against Manly in Christchurch.

After being comprehensively outplayed by the Rabbitohs, the Warriors spent last week’s bye getting back to basics as they look to

arrest a worrying run of inconsistent form.

Mannering believes the break came at the perfect time for the squad and is expecting them to come out full of energy against the Sea Eagles.

However, they may be without skipper Roger Tuivasa-Sheck who took only a limited part in training yesterday due to an ankle injury.