BREAKING: Vodafone Warrior Simon Mannering announces his retirement

Dark days are upon us! Not since the news that Richie McCaw announced his retirement from the 15 man game has New Zealand truly been shook by the news from a great athlete.

If you heard a collective sigh from everyone in New Zealand today then they were just made aware that future club legend and NZ rugby league great Simon Mannering will hang up the boots at the end of the year. 

Mannering will make his 294th club appearance in Sunday's home game against Melbourne and is on track to play his 300th game in the Warriors' final round clash against Canberra on August 31. He will go beyond the triple-century if the side maintains its course to make their first finals appearance since 2011.

Mannering's decision also comes after he produced his best performance of the season in Sunday's emphatic 26-6 victory over Brisbane at Suncorp Stadium that saw him wind back the clock with a titanic display in both attack and defence.

Thank you so much Simon Mannering!