For the first time since 2005, the Warriors have begun their pre‑season training without the ever imposing figure of club legend, Simon Mannering.
After 301 games with the Warriors, Mannering called time on his illustrious career at the end of the 2018 season, with his teammates noticing the versatile back‑rower's absence ahead of 2019.
Speaking to media in Auckland today, five‑eighth Blake Green noted the difference in the Warriors changing rooms without Mannering's influence.
While Mannering will be nearly impossible for the Warriors to replace, coach Stephen Kearney today said that Isaiah Papali'i will be given the task of stepping into his legendary shoes.
The 2019 NRL season will start on Thursday, March 15th, 2019.
[Source: TVNZ]
