NRL: Mannering open to chat over captaincy

Simon Mannering has been the captain of the Warriors since 2009. Photo / Getty Images

Warriors skipper says leadership has been an honour but if team will do better under someone else he'll happily hand over the reins.

Simon Mannering accepts his captaincy at the Warriors is coming under question in the wake of their late-season slide and says he would fully support another player taking on the role if that is found to be necessary.

Mannering described the captaincy as a privilege but admitted the Warriors have failed to deliver the results he and the club have aimed for since he took on the job after former skipper Steve Price back in 2009.

Despite his passion for the job, the 29-year-old back-rower insists he would give his full support to a new club captain if coach Andrew McFadden and managing director Jim Doyle decided a change of leadership was required.

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"For sure, it's got to be talked about with the way we've been going," said Mannering.

"It's no surprise at all. It's a huge honour and I'm very proud to have it but I'm never going to be one to kick up a stink or demand that I have that role.

"It's been a privilege the last few years to have the role. It hasn't gone as good as I would have liked, for sure, with the success of the club.

"I'll do it to the best of my ability as long as I can and if someone comes along and they think they'd do a better job then I'd back them 100 per cent.

"I just want this club to be successful and this group to be successful, so if that means I'm captain or not it doesn't really bother me."

Mannering accepts his reputation as a "do as I do, not as I say" type leader contrasts with common perceptions of a vocal and commanding captain, but believes talk is cheap when it comes to inspiring his teammates.

"I speak when I think something needs to be said and definitely vent my thoughts to the group and to Cappy [McFadden].

"But talking can only get you so far. And I know as a player and having been in teams where people do that [rant and rave], it doesn't have the same effect on me as someone that shows you the way to go and does it with their actions.

"It's what you put out on the field with your actions, that's what I see with a strong leader."

Back-row comrade Ryan Hoffman bristled when asked about the debate over Mannering's leadership and made it clear that only one player is fit for the role.

"I find it quite insulting and quite disrespectful to someone who has been such a great player for New Zealand and the Warriors for that even to be mentioned," said Hoffman.

"Simon Mannering has been the captain of the Warriors and for New Zealand for a very long time for a good reason.

"As long as he's at the Warriors he's the captain and that's the way it should be."

As for concerns over Mannering's long-term health and suggestions he should be rested from the Kiwis end-of-year tour of England, Mannering said it was a non-issue.

"I guess the decision is up to Mooks [Kiwis coach Stephen Kearney] to pick me in the team first and go from there.

"But I love playing for the Kiwis and love playing for the Warriors so as long as I'm fit to be picked then I'm more than happy to play."