Warriors stalwart Simon Mannering has announced his retirement from rugby league.
Mannering will hang up his boots at the end of the current NRL season, having already stepped away from the international game last month.
The Nelson native made his debut for the Auckland-based franchise in 2005 as an 18-year-old and has been one of its most loyal servants.
In his 14th campaign for the club, he should become the first Warriors player to surpass the hallowed 300-game mark by season's end.
Mannering said it'd taken him a considerable amount of time to cement his decision.
"It has taken me a while to reach this point, but I'm now comfortable with the decision I've finally made," he said.
"It hasn't been easy, that's for sure. There has been a lot to think about.
"I've really enjoyed this season and that was one of the factors on my mind."
Coach Stephen Kearney called it a "sad day for the club".
"I'd love Simon to to play on forever, but sadly, the time comes when players have to make the call to finish," he said.
"I know how difficult this would have been for him. He loves playing footy and he loves the club, so it's a really significant day for him and all of us."
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