Mannering and Parker join forces with NRLW Broncos

Former Warriors captain Simon Mannering was a rare one-club man during his playing days but it's taken him less than a year since retirement to join the coaching ranks at a rival club.

The 301-game veteran stuck with the Warriors throughout his 14-year career but couldn't resist an offer from NRLW Broncos coach Kelvin Wright to join him at Red Hill as an assistant to the defending premiers.  

Mannering and his family have based themselves in Kingscliff in northern NSW, since the 33-year-old retired at the end of last season. 

He's joined another 300-game player in Corey Parker at the Broncos to pass on expertise to the 2019 NRLW squad that includes rising forwards Millie Boyle, Amber Hall and Chelsea Lenarduzzi. 

"It's good to break it up, all I've ever known is the Warriors," Mannering tells NRL.com, sporting his new club colours.  

"It's felt a little bit different but I'm very lucky to get the chance to help coach a side like this and try to broaden myself in the game.

"When I retired my partner and I didn't know what we were going to do. We were both keen to get out of Auckland and have a bit of a break with footy being very intense for years.

"You play for so long and the next progression from that is to get back into the game in some capacity. I'm learning and hopefully the girls are learning something from me."

Wright finished up his international role as Kiwi Ferns coach in 2018 alongside Mannering, who helped out as an assistant during the side's 26-24 loss to the Jillaroos.

Along with Parker, who continues his commentating commitments at Fox Sports, the pair join former NRL coach Rick Stone as another well-known identity to offer their services to the women's game. 

"Having Simon and Corey on board the players have responded well and the women given the opportunities are embracing learning new stuff," Wright said.

"We've got a good relationship there and has got a lot to offer on and off the field. You've also got Corey, who is an absolute legend and one-club player. He's a vital cog of what it means to be a Bronco and what it feels like.

"He's throwing himself into everything we want to achieve and is fully committed to the team."

The Broncos returned to Australia on Monday after a trial game against Papua New Guinea in Port Moresby ahead of the opening round of the competition next week.