Player Simon Mannering

[PB_old]

Simon Mannering

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From Stuff . It's getting closer people.

By NEIL REID

SIMON Mannering will miss the start of the NRL season. The Warriors 2005 rookie of the year is in a moon boot after a leg injury.

And his spot on the wing is among a handful of positions still up for grabs as new Warriors coach Ivan Cleary looks to reveal his shadow 'Dream 17' for the February 25 trial against the Bulldogs at Carrara.

"I would like to have that pretty close for the last trial," Cleary told Sunday News.

"But I'm sure there will be a few positions -not many, but a couple - that are up for grabs even in the last two games.

"Certainly the first two games are a good opportunity for people to get in the frame.

"But I want the last trial to pretty much be a dress rehearsal for our first competition game of the season."

The Warriors first pre-season trial is against Canberra at North Harbour Stadium next Sunday.

"I've got a fair idea who will play the first game. But there's certainly the chance for players playing their way in," Cleary said.

But the Warriors squad next weekend won't include Mannering, new recruit George Gatis and blockbusting forward Sonny Fai. Kiwis fullback Brent Webb is also in doubt with a niggling groin strain.

"Simon has a stress fracture in his lower leg," Cleary said.

"He will be lucky to start the season.

"It's unfortunate. He had a really good off-season before getting injured so he already has a good fitness base.

"George got his moon boot off on Friday so he will be playing in the trials at some stage."

Fai could miss the first month of the season after shoulder surgery.

The trio of trial matches facing Cleary's Warriors continues the `new' tone for the club this year.

The club made sweeping changes after last season's disappointing 11th place finish -installing Cleary and John Ackland as the coaching duo.

The club also revealed a new playing strip late last month.

The changes continue with the scheduling of trials against three NRL sides. Last year the club had just one trial against the Eels and a second hitout against an average President's 13.

"I thought three trials against NRL opposition was really important," Cleary said.

"It's important we start the year well. I guess it is a bit of a conundrum with clubs on how many trials you play.

"Some clubs only like to have one or two. But I thought it was important we start well -and to do that we need to be ready.

"I thought it was imperative to have three good games. Having three games gives us a chance to try some other players, different combinations and give people the opportunity to put their hands up."

Meanwhile, Cleary said the mood among the side had changed considerably in the past week.

"There is a bit of excitement. I can sense it in the players, they are getting a bit keyed up and excited."

 

[Becs_old]

Bummer about those injuries. Have been waiting to see Sonny Fai get a few games and see what he is like.

 

[Becs_old]

Is Toshio still with the Warriors? I heard he could do fullback. Maybe he will get a pre season game.
Jerome would probably do ok like you guys said otherwise.

 

[LeagueSuperstar_old]

Is Toshio still with the Warriors? I heard he could do fullback. Maybe he will get a pre season game.
Jerome would probably do ok like you guys said otherwise.

na Toshio was released and has now linked up with Latu at the Sharks

 

[haven rl marra_old]

can anyone shed any light on the rumour that simon mannering is coming to whitehaven

 

[Wiki_old]

Whats Whitehaven?

Is it like Whitecastle? Anyone seen that movie? Its pretty good.

You know, you should see it.

So whats Whitehaven?

 

[haven rl marra_old]

its a rugby league club in the uk been in succsevie nl1 grand finals but failed 2 achive the golden chalice of super league unbeaten at home for over a year have kiwis in the team such as arron lester david fatilofa and an aussie called steve trindall

 

[Wiki_old]

its a rugby league club in the uk been in succsevie nl1 grand finals but failed 2 achive the golden chalice of super league unbeaten at home for over a year have kiwis in the team such as arron lester david fatilofa and an aussie called steve trindall

Ahh ok bro, I don't follow much of the Superleague let alone the grade below but I have heard of the grade.

I think its pure speculation man, he hasn't even played a full season for us!

 

[haven rl marra_old]

even at his tender age of 19 which the experiance hes gt he would be a god send to a club like ours is he a good player

 

[Swanley_old]

I would say that he is a star of the future for the Warriors.

Tony Martin (I guess) will not be resigned and Mannering will take the other centre spot next year....if not earlier.

 

[da mad maori]

Theres nothing about that being said at the moment here mate. He's one of our promising youngsters coming through, and interests are saying he could make a very good second-rower, further down the track.

It wouldnt surprize me if your story has some credit.

 

[haven rl marra_old]

i have strong links with whitehavenrlfc and i kno that alot of ppl are very happy to be hearing such a big name credited with our club lets just hope we do get him because he looks promising only bad thing is that daniel anderson is using whitehaven as a carrot for him 2 go saints

 

[Wiki_old]

Ohhhh Daniel Anderson is the coach of Whitehaven?

Then that makes it that much more interesting.

Who knows? There could be talk...

IMHO however I want Vuna in the centres.

 

[AliN_old]

No Wiki, DA is the Saints coach. Maybe Whitehaven is a feeder club?

If and only if, this story has some credit, Mannering would be a good buy.

 

[tmaster_old]

I can see them letting go of Mannering. I think Swanley is spot on that Martin will be gone and it looks unlikely that the Warriors will be able to keep Toopi.

So who does that leave? Ropati, Mannering and Vuna are the only specialist centres that could slot in. You could shuffle Famuina, Byrne or Fai into that position and you also have young guys like Ah Van and Filipo to fill the void but those don't seem to be good choices at this time.

Also they are in rebuilding mode with a reemphasis on local talent so it all seems to fit. He is young, he's got talent, he's local and most importantly for the Warriors over the next 2 or 3 seasons HE'S CHEAP!

 

[Wiki_old]

No Wiki, DA is the Saints coach. Maybe Whitehaven is a feeder club?

If and only if, this story has some credit, Mannering would be a good buy.

Oh, woops I read it wrong. Haha cheers for clearing that up.

I can see them letting go of Mannering. I think Swanley is spot on that Martin will be gone and it looks unlikely that the Warriors will be able to keep Toopi.

So who does that leave? Ropati, Mannering and Vuna are the only specialist centres that could slot in. You could shuffle Famuina, Byrne or Fai into that position and you also have young guys like Ah Van and Filipo to fill the void but those don't seem to be good choices at this time.

Also they are in rebuilding mode with a reemphasis on local talent so it all seems to fit. He is young, he's got talent, he's local and most importantly for the Warriors over the next 2 or 3 seasons HE'S CHEAP!

I think judging by your post you meant to say you 'cant' see them letting him go?

I want to see Vuna in there at centre this year aye. Give him some time this year and if he proves to be a gem then we won't be so much in a rebuilding phase next year if Toopi leaves us.

 

[STRIDER_old]

Id pick Ah VAn at centre over Vuna. Vuna for wing at this stage. Ah VAn has got Steve Renouf quality written all over him. Like what I see from Miguel Start as well.

 

[Wiki_old]

Id pick Ah VAn at centre over Vuna. Vuna for wing at this stage. Ah VAn has got Steve Renouf quality written all over him. Like what I see from Miguel Start as well.

Give them both a go!

I just want them to get some experience!!

 

[haven rl marra_old]

dave rotheram is coach of haven he was second in charge at saints in 2005 nd 2004 so him and daneil anderson are gd mates

 

[haven rl marra_old]

heard today of a very good source he is moving in 3 week on condition he can bring a recomended warriors player with him sorry chaps on wards and upwards tho eh?