League: Mannering rock solid - just like Foo Fighters

Reporter·NZ Herald·

6 Mar, 2015 07:51 PM4 mins to read

Warriors skipper Simon Mannering. Photo / Getty Images

Warriors captain likes his musicians to be skilled rather than play flashy stuff

It might not come as a surprise to learn that Simon Mannering is a big fan of the Foo Fighters.

The US rock group are almost the musical equivalent of the Warriors and Kiwis skipper - reliable, dependable, and straight down the middle.

"I prefer skilled musicians rather than electronic sounds and when I get the opportunity I try to get along to a few concerts," says Mannering.

That insight alone might not be earth shattering but underneath the 28-year-old's straight-shooting persona lies a more colourful character not on show at post-match press conferences and midweek media sessions.

"I know people complain that there are concerts at Mt Smart but it's good when we get the odd ticket," he says with a grin.

And apart from his highly respected status as a footballer it is suggested to him that, actually, the public know very little about the Napier-born and Motueka-raised father of one.

"I'd like to keep it that way," he says with a laugh. "I don't have time to do much else with footy and family but I always enjoy spending time with them and I can't say that I have any particularly keen interests.

"It is always nice when you get the chance to do something away from footy that's for sure."

After further prodding he admits to being a keen on fishing "but I wouldn't say I was a diehard", a statement that is more in line with his more visibly understated nature.

Calm under pressure and man of few words, Mannering is the "do as I do, not as I say" type of leader.

That's not to say he's shy or an introvert. He just doesn't mince words and prefers to let his actions show his teammates the way.

Trying to wrestle a bold prediction out of him on his side's hopes in this year's NRL premiership is almost futile but he humours me with a polite response.

"I'm not going to make any statements this early on. We haven't played and every team thinks they are going good but until the season starts you can't make any predictions.

"We've obviously been disappointed in our performances over the last three years so it will be nice to turn that around."

That's more like it, Simon.

But, surely he's confident they can give the competition a shake? With Ryan Hoffman and Bodene Thompson on board, the forward pack has a more rounded look about it.

There are also expectations that Shaun Johnson will deliver his best season yet and Sam Tomkins and Konrad Hurrell will reach new levels.

But talk is cheap, he says, and reputations count for nothing if you can't back it up when it matters.

"It's not just about having good names in your team, it's about performing together. You're always confident in your ability and your squad but a team on paper is one thing but getting them to play well on the field is another. Hopefully we can do that after our preparations through the pre-season."

As for personal goals for the year ahead? Typically, they centre on the greater good.

"I don't really set specific goals but the longer you are there you've got to, not just get the best out of yourself, but also get the best out of the guys around you.

"That's the exciting thing about each year, there's new guys in the group and you're eager to get out and perform alongside each other."