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Mannering sets two-week deadline on retirement call

The New Zealand Warriors' most capped player has put a two-week deadline on when he will make a decision on his playing future as he contemplates retirement.

Simon Mannering, a veteran of 286 NRL matches, has been a mainstay for the Warriors since making his debut in 2005.

He revealed after last week's loss to the Roosters however that he had been contemplating retriment and said on Tuesday he would look to make a call before the Warriors' bye, in two weeks time.

"I'm just going to carry on playing and my body will tell me what the next move is, I reckon I'll know in the next few weeks," he said.

"In terms of playing elsewhere, I never rule anything out. Obviously, it would be hard to see me playing in another jersey, but I can't say I'd never do that because you never know what the future holds."

Mannering has this season been asked to take on more of a backseat role in a Warriors side flush with talent in the back-row stocks.

Coach Stephen Kearney has opted to start teenager Isaiah Papali'i in the last two weeks, leaving Mannering in the unfamiliar role of coming off the bench.

Images of Round 10

However, the former captain insisted he was not offended by having the reduced role.

"To be honest, I'm enjoying my role at the moment. We have good depth here so I guess it works with the rotation and I'm just enjoying being out there after missing the first few games," he said.

"Whatever is best for the side, I'm happy to do that."

The 31-year-old Kiwi international has battled through several injuries this season and admitted it has taken him a little longer than expected to get back to full fitness.

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