End of an era as Mannering takes over 

Source: NZPAWarriors skipper Simon Mannering with coach Ivan Cleary

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Replacing Steve Price as Warriors captain is a controversial decision, but ultimately the right one looking to the future.

With veteran prop Price heading into what is expected to be his final season before retirement, coach Ivan Cleary has handed Mannering the captaincy early.

Pricey has admitted he was shocked at first to hear the news of his demotion but fully understands the reasoning behind the decision.

He has also thrown his weight behind Mannering and labelled him as the perfect candidate to take over as leader at the Warriors.

It also means that Mannering won't be alone in his endeavours with Price on tap for advice while still playing.

"Steve has been a fantastic captain for the last five seasons and has done an outstanding job for the Warriors in that role both on and off the field," chief executive Wayne Scurrah said in a statement.

"For us, this decision is about the future. Simon has the qualities to be a great captain and the time is right for him to take on that role now.

"We realise that when Steve does eventually retire as a player, a leader of his experience going will leave a huge void and, for that reason, we saw the need to appoint Simon while Steve was still playing for the club."

And at just 23 years old, the hard-working second-rower looks set to form the foundation of the New Zealand club for a long time to come.

Mannering is the obvious choice to take over as captain with genuine leadership skills and work ethic.

One of the most consistent players at the club, he is also capable of playing 80 minutes a game. And the fact that Price's minutes on the field have been decreasing was likely the clinching factor for Cleary.

Mannering, who has already played 100 games for the Warriors, made his debut in 2005 and has been a regular starter ever since.

He is a similar mould to Price in that both players lead by example and demand perfection from themselves and others

Mannering is a thinking player, who will certainly command the respect of everyone around him.

The Kiwi international is also rarely injured and being a local, he won't miss any game time during State of Origin.

And while vastly experienced, Mannering is still a very young captain so the decision suggests the Warriors will do everything they can to keep him at the club as long as possible.

Last season's vice captain Micheal Luck was another strong contender, but will hang on to his supporting role.

Is now the right time for a new captain at the Warriors? Comment on our messageboard below!

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Keep It Real ; 2009-11-05 @ 12:14 NZDT  

No I think it's a stupid decision! Price is the NRL's most experienced captain and to leave him out to dry for his last season is wasteful. In fact I think there is more to this than meets the eye but only time will tell..... And If Mannering is the future then why not make him vice-captain under Price for a season to learn the ropes?

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lance's_biggest_fan ; 2009-11-05 @ 11:56 NZDT  

Was a bit surprised at first as Pricey has been such a great captain but really it all makes sense - Mannering will just need to find his voice on the field.

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