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Isaiah Papali'i to replace Simon Mannering at 13, says Stephen Kearney

December 10, 2018

The rookie forward will switch to the number 13 jersey in 2019.

Warriors coach Stephen Kearney is confident he won't have to look to far to replace club legend Simon Mannering, stating today that youngster Isaiah Papali'i will step into the number 13 jersey come the 2019 NRL season.

With Mannering having called time on his 301-NRL game career at the end of last season, it wouldn't be foolish to suggest that the Warriors' recruitment team have one of their biggest challenges in replacing him.

With versatile forward Lachlan Burr already joining from the Bulldogs, the Warriors look to be front footing the issue of finding Mannering's successor, although Kearney is confident he may already be with the club.

"I'm looking to potentially move Isaiah (Papali'i) into the middle of the field, similar to Simon's position at lock," Kearney said.

"I think he has that type of appetite for work, and what he can provide the team, both with the footy and in defence.

"That's the plan. I don't think players like Simon can be replaced, but I know he can do a pretty handy job."

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