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Warriors veteran Simon Mannering to retire at the end of NRL season after 14 years with the New Zealand club

July 18, 2018

He debuted for the Warriors in 2005 and will hang up his boots at the end of the 2018 season.

Warriors veteran Simon Mannering has announced today that he will retire at the end of 2018 season after 14 seasons with the New Zealand club.

The 31-year-old has played 293 NRL games for the Warriors.

Mannering admits the decision to retire wasn’t an easy choice to make.

"It has taken a while to reach this point but I’m now comfortable with the decision I've finally made," said Mannering.

"It hasn't been easy that's for sure. There has been a lot to think about. I've really enjoyed this season and that was one of the factors that was playing on my mind."

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 25:  Simon Mannering of the Warriors is tackled by Cameron Smith of the Melbourne Storm during the round eight NRL match between the Melbourne Storm and New Zealand Warriors at AAMI Park on April 25, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia.  (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images)

Mannering is set to play his 300th NRL match for the Warriors in the final round against Canberra Raiders on August 31.

"I'm really grateful to the Warriors for giving me the time I needed. It's a big call when you consider retirement, even more so having played my whole career for this great club.

"It's not over yet, though. There are still a lot of games to be played and I want to do all I can to help the team and the coaching staff in our bid to finish this season as well as we possibly can."

Mannering made his debut for the Warriors at 18-years-old against the Brisbane Broncos in June in 2005.

He announced last month his retirement from international rugby league after playing 45 Tests for the Kiwis.

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