Warriors forward Simon Mannering has announced his retirement from international football, following a Test career that saw him make 45 appearances for the Kiwis over the past 12 years.
The 31-year-old is joined in retirement by Russell Packer, with the pair now sitting alongside Ben Matulino in the stands after he announced last week he would not be available for selection.
Mannering told the club's website he had a feeling last year's World Cup would be his final swansong, and said he was honoured every time he was presented with a New Zealand jersey.
โGoing into the World Cup last year I sort of had it in the back of my mind that it would be my last campaign playing for the Kiwis,โ Mannering told warriors.kiwi.
โIt still doesnโt make it an easy decision to make it official even though my days of being selected in the team are getting behind me.
โThe idea of taking a Test to the United States is great for the game and itโs exciting for younger players to be given an opportunity that I wish had been around when I started.
โI was honoured to wear the Kiwi jersey every time and itโs been a huge privilege having the chance to play alongside so many outstanding players. It was also a special honour to captain my country.
โThere have been so many great memories along the way like being involved in the World Cup win in 2008 and also the Four Nations victories in 2010 and 2014 but now I want to be able to focus on the Vodafone Warriors who have supported me throughout.โ
The trio have now all been ruled out of the Kiwi's Test match against England in Denver on June 23.
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