New Zealand league star Simon Mannering will captain the Warriors in next season's National Rugby League competition.

Mannering takes over from Australian veteran Steve Price who has led the Auckland-based team since 2005.

Chief executive Wayne Scurrah said the appointment was made with one eye on the future and that it was important for 23-year-old Mannering to have a chance to develop as captain while Price was still with the club.

"Steve has been a fantastic captain for the last five seasons and has done an outstanding job for the Vodafone Warriors in that role both on and off the field," he said.

"For us this decision is about the future.

"Simon has the qualities to be a great captain and the time is right for him to take on that role now.

"We realised that when Steve does eventually retire are a player, a leader of his experience going will leave a huge void and for that reason we saw the need to appoint Simon while Steve was still playing for the club."

Mannering made his first-grade debut against Brisbane in 2005.

He made 92 consecutive appearances until a knee injury stopped his run late in the 2009 season.

A knee injury has kept the World Cup winner out of the Kiwis' current Four Nations campaign.

"It's such a huge honour to be asked to captain the Vodafone Warriors," Mannering said.

"I'm committed to doing the best I possibly can for the club. I'm very proud to play for the Warriors and to now be named to captain the side is an unbelievable privilege. I couldn't hope for a better person than Steve to learn from."

Mannering's appointment is the latest of several changes at the club following this season's disappointing effort.

A new coaching and management structure has already been put in place for the 2010 campaign.