Rugby League: Simon Mannering retires from international league

Name: ANZ Sports Scene: Simon Mannering calls time on international career
Uploaded: 2018-06-12T14:21:37+12:00
Duration: 81 s
Description: After representing the Kiwis in 45 test matches and three world cups, the Kiwi great has called it a day.

NZ Herald

11 Jun, 2018 11:51 PM2 mins to read

After representing the Kiwis in 45 test matches and three world cups, the Kiwi great has called it a day.

Former Kiwis skipper Simon Mannering has retired from the international game.

The Warriors veteran made the announcement on the eve of New Zealand's clash against England in Denver later this month.

Mannering has played 45 tests for New Zealand including three World Cups.

Fellow forwards Ben Matulino (23 tests) and Russell Packer (seven tests) have also announced their international retirements.

Mannering made his debut in 2006 and was a World Cup winner in 2008. He also won Four Nations titles in 2010 and 2014.

"Going into the World Cup last year I sort of had it in the back of my mind that it would be my last campaign playing for the Kiwis," he said.

"It still doesn't make it an easy decision to make it official even though my days of being selected in the team are getting behind me.

"The idea of taking a Test to the United States is great for the game and it's exciting for younger players to be given an opportunity that I wish had been around when I started.

"I was honoured to wear the Kiwi jersey every time and it's been a huge privilege having the chance to play alongside so many outstanding players. It was also a special honour to captain my country.

"There have been so many great memories along the way like being involved in the World Cup win in 2008 and also the Four Nations victories in 2010 and 2014 but now I want to be able to focus on the Vodafone Warriors who have supported me throughout."

He started his Test career against the Kangaroos in the 2006 Tri Nations while his 45th match was the quarter-final loss to Fiji Bati in Wellington at last year's Rugby League World Cup.

Mannering was in the centres when the Kiwis beat Australia 34-20 in Brisbane to win the World Cup for the first time in history in 2008 and was again in the centres in the 16-12 Four Nations final win against the Kangaroos at Suncorp Stadium in 2010.