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Simon Mannering finished 2015 as the highest-scoring player in NRL Fantasy.

Simon Mannering will captain the Warriors for the last time in this weekend's game against the Dragons in Nelson this weekend, with Ryan Hoffman to take over as the club's new leader.

Mannering, the New Zealand captain, has led the Warriors since 2010 but has made the decision to step down from the role to focus on his own game this season.

"That wasn't easy because the players and the club mean so much to me but I've been thinking about this throughout the offseason," Mannering told warriors.kiwi.

"While it has been a massive honour being captain, I wasn't enjoying my football and felt the responsibilities of the captaincy were a big factor in that.

"I told Cappy (coach Andrew McFadden) and Jim (managing director Jim Doyle) that I thought it would be best for me and therefore best for the team if I was able to focus solely on my job as a player.

"They asked me to reconsider but my mind was made up and, to be honest, it's a relief. It has taken a big weight off me."

Hoffman, 32, is the most experienced player at the club with 263 NRL appearances and was seen as the obvious replacement by McFadden.

"It's a huge honour and I’m totally humbled to be offered the job," he said.

"It's a brave decision Simon has made. He’s a terrific leader and player and I know he'll still be there as usual doing everything he can to help the team."

Read more at warriors.kiwi

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