Why is Simon Mannering not played in the Centres?

Question

I watched Simon Mannering handle Folau and others through the Rugby League World Cup easily only missing I think it was 2 tackles through the whole period he played Centre.  Why is he used as a Second Rower when I think he and Ropati were far better combination in Centres than Tate & Ropati.  This would be my team to play Bronco's;

1. McKinnon
2. Kemp
3. Mannering
4. Ropati
5. Tate
6. Moon
7. Fien
8 Sam Rapira
9. Henderson
10 Pricey
11. Ukuma Ta'ai (Has huge wraps but made a lot of errors in his debut)
12. Lillyman
13. Luck 

My Bench would stay the same as named but Kirk wouldn't be in my team.  I just think Mannering will control Folau better than anyone.  You thoughts?

Dave G · Accepted Answer

I had no problem with Mannering at Centre for the Kiwis in the WC, his favoured positions have always been 2nd Row and Centre and has proven himself more than capable in either one. I'd have no problem with him at Centre with Ropati for the Warriors... I'm sure Ivan will have it in the back of his mind somewhere, and it might be something we'll see down the track once we've cemented our place at the top of the ladder, but I agree this week would be the perfect opportunity with Vatuvei out..!!
They don't come any more reliable than Simon Mannering, he gives 110% week in week out, he's got the size, he's got the pace, he's solid in defence and has the ball handling skills to match..!! he easily accounted for Folau at Suncorp and I'd bet he'd easily do it again..!!

Kuruki · Answer

Becoz We are thin in The 2ndrow at the Moment with Benny not Playing. Tate and Ropati are our N01 Centres unless they are injured they will play everygame. We need Mannering up the middle coz thats were we are goin to Control the game. Taia is not ready to Start, yes he is a talent for the future but he needs to be slowly brought into the 1st grade his performance last week showed he has a long way to go yet. Ropati was a bit off last week becoz he was playing injured. Tate is a solid defender and we need him in the centres.

Anonymous · Answer

I'd love to see Mannering in the centres cause Falou would own him.
he is a good 2nd Rower but a centre he is not and would get caught out of position and  if ropati is matched upagainst Falou he'll get owned to. Your best option against Falou would be Tate he's a very good defender, not too bad in the air and if Falou showed him the outside which he seems to do way to much Tate would exploit that with his speed. Hope this doesn't happen though.

Go the BRONCOS!!! top of the ladder here we come

!!Red!! · Answer

Yeah I would go with Mannering but what about Matulino? I think he would be good in the position also.. but I do agree that Mannering probably would be able to handle Folau better...

Good choice for your starting line up but where would our Little General?

Dylan - Aussie - Come On Inglis! · Answer

I think he will be now because they will have to change the lineup now that tate is injured.


Mannering is a great center but he was better than the other second row he was replacing. I don't think they have a choice now though

Mitch · Answer

Yeah, i reckon his size is needed to defend Israel, 

I reckon Tate makes more breaks when he is on the wing as well....but maybe Tate would rather be in the centres so he gets his way.

wilson w · Answer

i think that line up is solid but id rather see mannering in the second row just simply cause it's his natural position,yes he's a work horse but comming up with the pressence of mind for attacking plays isnt his forte, hence why his position is justified in the second row. go the mighty warriors!

KANEIO · Answer

Because he is one of the best 2nd Rowers in the game. He is wasted in the centre position.

Why is Simon Mannering not played in the Centres?

8 Answers