May 29, 2014
Captain Mannering leads the way
NZ Kiwis and Warriors skipper Simon Mannering carries some commanding form into this week's milestone NRL game against
Newcastle, earning the praise of national team coach Stephen Kearney.
Mannering's performance in the Warriors' 24-16 road win over Gold Coast Titans really impressed Kearney, as he kept tabs
on his players.
The captain (Kiwi #731) ran for 124 metres and made a team-high 33 tackles to lead his side from the front.
On Sunday, he chalks up 200 games for the Warriors and 100 as skipper.
"This is what we expect from Simon - a captain's performance," says Kearney. "He had plenty of carries, plenty of
tackles and plenty of metres.
"It was a really inspiring performance.
"This week will be a massive game for him. To reach 100 games as captain and 200 as a player with one club is a real
achievement."
Also catching Kearney's eye were two players who missed out on selection for his Anzac Test line-up - Warriors winger
Manu Vatuvei and Sydney Roosters prop Jared Waerea-Hargreaves.
Vatuvei (Kiwi #720) recorded 153 metres on the ground, his third straight game over 100 metres. Since the test, he has
averaged almost 130 metres a game.
"I think he's finally starting to get his numbers rolling and showing some form. This is just the culmination of a few
good performances now."
Waerea-Hargreaves (Kiwi #755) bounced back from a subdued outing against North Queensland last week to stamp his class
on the Roosters' 32-12 victory over Canterbury Bulldogs. He gained 150 metres and made 25 tackles.
"He got beaten up by the Australian props [James Tamou and Matt Scott] in Townsville, but came up with a really tough
performance against another tough Bulldogs team."
Brisbane assistant coach Kearney also noted the form of Broncos skipper Alex Glenn (Kiwi #769), who missed the Anzac
Test through injury, but lead his side to a late win over Wests Tigers.
"He was really, really good for us."
ENDS