Simon Mannering missed the post-game press conference after the 27-18 win over the Titans last night, a rare occasion in his long Warriors career that he hasn't been in the right place at the right time.
After standing in as captain - with Ryan Hoffman a late withdrawal due to illness - Mannering was allowed to celebrate with his team-mates, with Shaun Johnson fronting the cameras instead. But later Mannering cut a proud and emotional figure, admitting to some relief after a week in the limelight ahead of his 250th game.
"It's so humbling," said Mannering. "I just feel so privileged to have played for this club for so long. [But after] all the extra focus through the week, you don't want to let anyone down."
He didn't, even coming up with a couple of momentum swinging plays in last night's game, especially midway through the second half when he stopped a Titans player dead in his tracks to force a line drop-out.
Mannering had been "overwhelmed" by numerous messages from former team-mates leading up to the game, and had his match jersey presented to him by Francis Meli, whose couch he slept on in his first few weeks in Auckland more than a decade ago.
