The New Zealand Warriors captain Simon Mannering has provided an early boost for the team's 2012 National Rugby League campaign by signing a new three-year contract which will rank him second equal among the longest-serving players in the club's history.
Mannering, who was off contract at the end of this season, has re-committed to the Auckland based club until the end of the 2015 campaign, lengthening his association with the Warriors to 11 seasons.
It will draw him level with 1996-2006 player Awen Guttenbeil. Only Stacey Jones, who had a 12-season career at Mount Smart, heads them.
Named the 2011 NRL grand finalists' Player of the Year, Mannering says it was important for him to have his contract situation settled before the season began with the grand final rematch against Manly at Eden Park on March the 4th.
