Long-serving Steve Price has been replaced as Warriors captain by Simon Mannering following the NRL side's disappointing season.

Price - often dubbed the most popular Australian in New Zealand - steps down after five years in the top job.

The move is designed to prepare for the future and inject some fresh energy into the club, which finished a dire 14th in the 2009 campaign.

Warriors chief executive Wayne Scurrah said it was important Mannering had the chance to develop as a captain while Price, who still has another year on his contract, was still with the club.

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

"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 realise that when Steve does eventually retire as 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, 23, debuted for the Warriors in 2005 and has already distinguished himself at both NRL and international level.

He brought up the 100-game milestone in the NRL in the Warriors' final match of the 2009 season against Melbourne.

Mannering said he was humbled when approached to become captain.

"I'm very proud to play for the Warriors and to now be named to captain the side is an unbelievable privilege," he said.

"I'm committed to doing the best I possibly can for the club."

He said he couldn't hope for a better person than Price to learn from.

"I have so much respect for him and for what he has done for our club," Mannering said.

"I intend to learn as much as I can from him."

Warriors coach Ivan Cleary said Mannering would prove a great choice as captain.

"In all areas his attitude is second to none," Cleary said.

"Simon also has the utmost respect from everyone at the club and has got the personal qualities required to be an excellent NRL captain."

He also paid his respects to 35-year-old Price's "terrific" efforts, but now was the time to make a change.

"We all see Simon being captain of the Warriors for years to come," the coach said.

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