Skipper Simon Mannering has been named the Warriors’ player of the year, becoming the first three-time winner of the NRL club’s award.

The second-rower wasn’t present to accept the accolade himself at the presentation in Auckland on Monday night, as partner Anna went into labour with the couple’s first child earlier in the day.

The 27-year-old Mannering, who has played 188 times for the Warriors, also won the award in 2008 and 2011.