Mannering's captaincy selection signals future

Warriors coach Ivan Cleary insists Simon Mannering's selection as captain is "more about the future of the club" and not because of outgoing skipper Steve Price's representative commitments.

Mannering, 23, was confirmed yesterday as the Warriors captain for 2010 with Price – leader for the last five years and widely regarded as the NRL's best skipper – reduced to the ranks.

Queenslander Price – often dubbed New Zealand's favourite Australian – has been more than an on-field general, he has been the face of the Warriors with his broad grin, media savvy comments and trademark cloth hat.

Cleary told The Press that Price had accepted "absolutely" the captaincy decision although he was "naturally a little disappointed" because "he's very passionate about it". "Anyone who knows Steve knows how proud he was to be the captain of the Warriors.

"But he also knows about the bigger picture and the future of our club and he supports Simon 100 per cent."

Mannering agreed Price was "obviously a little disappointed".

"But he was good, `he said, mate, I'm behind you 100 per cent and if you need anything during the year just come and ask'."

"That was probably the weirdest thing about it, being captain of a side that's still got Steve Price in it. But when he said `I'm fully behind you' it did make me feel more comfortable."

Mannering, who has long been viewed as a future Warriors and Kiwis captain, said he regarded his new role as "an honour", "but I can't say I was expecting it".

Price, who will turn 36 in March, has played 91 games for the Warriors since 2005, but he made just 14 appearances in an injuries-afflicted 2009 campaign.

Some rugby league observers expressed a view that he should bring down the curtain on his Queensland state of origin career to focus fully on club football in the twilight of his career.

But Cleary insisted Price's representative commitments had no bearing on the captaincy change. "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.

"It's a great opportunity to have Simon take the reins while Steve is still there.

"But, more importantly, Simon's actually ready to take those responsibilities."

Loose forward Micheal Luck captained the Warriors in Price's absence last season and Cleary said he "did a great job". But Mannering is five years' younger than Luck, has already played 100 NRL games (92 on the trot), has earned 19 Kiwis caps and won a World Cup gold medal.

"He's packed a fair bit into that five years [since his NRL debut in 2005]," Cleary said. "He's young in age for a captain, but he has a lot of experience and he's very mature as well. His youth is a bonus, in terms of longevity."

Cleary said Mannering, who has signed a three-year contract extension, had the potential to a be long-term leader. "The most important thing Simon's got going for him is he's hugely respected, people follow him. Without a doubt, they love playing with him. He's very consistent and when he does talk, people listen."

Cleary said he had not spoken to Price about his representative availability in 2010. But he expects "to see a lot more of Steve on the field" in a Warriors jersey. "He's really keen to get back those minutes and those games next year.

"Steve has done a terrific job for us as captain over the last five seasons."  

LEAD WARRIORS

1995: Dean Bell (NZ)
1996: Greg Alexander (Aust)
1997-99: Matthew Ridge (NZ)
2000: John Simon (Aust)
2001: Stacey Jones (NZ) and Kevin Campion (Aust)
2002-04: Monty Betham (NZ)
2005-09: Steve Price (Aust)
2010: Simon Mannering (NZ)