Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Licence needed for work use Learn More

Art & Entertainment | Book Reviews | Education | Entertainment Video | Health | Lifestyle | Sport | Sport Video | Search

 

Mannering out of Kiwis Tour

Mannering out of Kiwis Tour

NZ Kiwis captain Simon Mannering has reluctantly confirmed his withdrawal from the upcoming tour of England.

Mannering (Kiwi #731) has played 41 tests for New Zealand and took over leadership of the national side at the 2013 Rugby League World Cup, leading them to success at the 2014 Four Nations series and 2015 Anzac Test.

Over the past three years, he has played 11 of 12 tests for the Kiwis and 71 of 72 games for the Vodafone Warriors.

But his ironman service to both country and club has taken its toll, and after a series of medical checks, he has been ruled out of the three-test series with gastric issues that affected him over the closing weeks of the NRL season.

Mannering (29) was named in the Kiwis train-on squad last month, but has not taken part in any training sessions while his condition was checked out by Warriors medical staff.

“While tests we’ve conducted haven’t revealed anything to cause alarm, Simon still isn’t right to and requires further assessment,” says Warriors head doctor John Mayhew.

His withdrawal means coach Stephen Kearney will have to find another captain for this campaign.

“We know Simon wants to be with us and this decision will be a huge blow for him, as it is for us,” says Kearney, who will announce his touring teamon Thursday.

“But his long-term health is very important to us, especially with the Four Nations scheduled for next year and, of course, the next World Cup in New Zealand and Australia the following year.

“He’s our captain and our leader, but we’ll still have a strong leadership team to draw on and his absence this time will give us a chance to develop some other players in that role.”

The England tour begins on October 23 with a warm-up game against Leeds Rhinos, with the three tests scheduled for Hull (November 1), London’s Olympic Stadium (November 7) and Wigan (November 14).

ENDS

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
 
 
 
Culture Headlines | Health Headlines | Education Headlines

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

LATEST HEADLINES

  • CULTURE
  • HEALTH
  • EDUCATION
 
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.