https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/leagu...n-mannerings-call-to-walk-away-from-captaincy Warriors halfback
Shaun Johnson admits he was shocked to hear his good friend Simon Mannering was stepping down as the captain of the side.
The 25-year-old, who completed a successful comeback at the Auckland Nines two weeks ago, said he understood the reasons behind Mannering's decision as he led the team to only nine wins from 24 games in the late season slide of 2015 to finish 13th.
Mannering, the longest serving skipper in the club's history at six seasons, passes the captain's arm-band to fellow second rower Ryan Hoffman who becomes the club's 10th skipper.
"It is a bit of a shock,"
Johnson told the media. "But we will get out here [on the training field] and it is a title essentially. I know Hoffy isn't going to change who he is as a player."
Warriors winger Manu Vatuvei knows that it wasn't an easy decision for Mannering who has played for the club 236 times.
"I know it was hard for him and hard for the boys to take in but we have got to do what is best for Simon and he is keen to do what is best for the team," he said. "We need to respect that."
He said Mannering was a player the team looked up to and his work ethic and consistency was something that his team mates strived for.
Johnson believed it was the run of losses and the ongoing spotlight off the field from the media which played the biggest role in his decision.
"It is clear that some of the off the field stuff is where it took its toll on Juey [Mannering's nickname is Juju] and as a player and as a friend you don't want to see that happen. We just want him back playing footy.We respect Juey's decision understand why and excited for Hoff and going to get in behind him."
Vatuvei added: "You could tell as a good friend and as a player it took a toll on Simon, but he is one of those players who would do anything for the jersey and for the team. that is why we respect so much and on this decision. He has go to look after himself."
Johnson, the Warriors mercurial playmaker, said he was keen to put his hand up to be captain of the side, but just not yet.
"I definitely don't think I am ready for anything like that at this stage. I like to think of myself as a leader. Whether that is with the captaincy next to my name or as the halfback of the side I am forced to be a leader in this side and that is what I am going to do." While Vatuvei when asked what was bad about the captaincy role replied "everything" with a big golden toothy grin.
"The pressure not just on the field but off the field as well. It is not for me. I'd rather just play my game and lead from there."
Vatuvei believed that Mannering could have a new lease of life at the Warriors without that constant pressure.
"There are lots of little things [with Simon] that people never see and the players only see every week and they are the kind of things that helped us know he was one of the best leaders in the team. Even though he is not the captain he has said that he will do exactly the same thing every week. He will enjoy it this time."
The pair said that life at the Warriors wasn't go to be too different with a new voice calling the shots.
Hoffman was already part of the leadership group and not shy in sharing his opinion.
Johnson said Mannering and Hoffman have got their different styles, but as a group the Warriors have values in place that set the benchmark for the team.
"Hoff has already told us as a group that that is not going to change with those standards. We will carry on what Juey has put in place. I have 100 percent confidence that Hoffy will push this team in the right direction, as a player that is all you can ask."
Johnson, who said his ankle was fine after starring in the Nines, paid tribute to Mannering, who he has grown up playing rugby league alongside.
"Juey's best attribute was the fact that he led by example. He didn't necessarily say too much but quite often he was the example used in the video room. He is a special player and a good friend. We have a big season ahead of us that I know he is looking forward to getting into."
Mannering will captain the Warriors one final time when they play against the St George Dragons in a preseason game in his hometown at Nelson's Trafalgar Park on February 20.