12 Apr 2014

Signing huge says Warriors co-owner

6:39 pm on 12 April 2014

The Warriors captain and two other star players have re-signed for the club, just 24 hours after reports surfaced of player dischord at the National Rugby League club.

On Saturday it was announced that captain Simon Mannering had signed a new four-year contract to the end of the 2018 NRL season.

The announcement may allay some fears that senior players were considering ditching the club in the wake of the bitter stoush between the clubs' co-owners Eric Watson and Sir Owen Glenn.

Watson says the signing is one of the most significant in the club's history.

He also revealed veteran prop Jacob Lillyman had been re-signed to the end of the 2017 season and back rower Sione Lousi to the end of 2016.

The war of words between Watson and Sir Owen began following the departure of Warriors chairman Matt Elliott.

Sir Owen this week accused Watson of dictatorial behaviour and said his relationship with him has deteriorated to the point of confrontation.

Watson said he believed the only way the spat could end is with Sir Owen selling his stake in the club.

Mannering will lead the Warriors for the 94th time when they face the Bulldogs at Eden Park on Sunday.