Mannering to bring up 250 NRL games

Simon Mannering will become just the second Warriors player to bring up 250 NRL games when he runs out against the Gold Coast Titans in Auckland.

Only halfback legend Stacey Jones, with 261 matches, has made more appearances for the club.

Mannering, 29, made his debut in 2005 and played centre early in his career before switching to the back row.

The 41-Test Kiwi went on to skipper the Warriors for six seasons before relinquishing the role earlier this year.

The match against the Titans on Saturday will also be the 250th at Mt Smart Stadium for the Warriors, who entered the competition in 1995.

Coach Andrew McFadden has opted for a settled side, with just one change to the run-on 13 from the 19-18 golden-point defeat to leaders Cronulla.

Tuimoala Lolohea, who was originally named to start at fullback against the Sharks but was instead used off the bench, goes to the right wing in place of Jonathan Wright.

Lolohea’s place of the interchange is filled by Nathaniel Roache, who turned out for the Junior Warriors’ win over Cronulla.

Both Gold Coast and the Warriors are two points outside the top eight, with the 10th-placed Titans’ on a better points difference putting them one place higher than the Warriors.

Warriors: David Fusitu’a, Tuimoala Lolohea, Blake Ayshford, Solomone Kata, Ken Maumalo, Thomas Leuluai, Shaun Johnson, Jacob Lillyman, Issac Luke, Albert Vete, Bodene Thompson, Ryan Hoffman (capt), Simon Mannering. Interchange: Nathaniel Roache, Sam Lisone, Ben Matulino, Charlie Gubb.

Stay up to date with the latest sports news
Follow our social accounts to get exclusive content and all the latest sporting news!