NRL: Mannering to miss Cowboys match

Skipper Simon Mannering has pulled out of the New Zealand Warriors' National Rugby League match against North Queensland in Auckland tomorrow night.

Mannering was due to make his return after seven weeks out with a hamstring injury, but coach Ivan Cleary today said the second rower did not feel he was ready.

"He has trained well throughout the week but Simon doesn't feel he's quite ready," Cleary said.

"He's not completely confident so we're taking a cautious approach this week but he'll be a definite starter against South Sydney next weekend."

Lewis Brown comes back into the line-up to take Mannering's place, while loose forward Micheal Luck will again be the stand-in captain.

- NZPA