League: Simon Mannering celebrates second baby

Simon Mannering's partner Anna Bensemann gave birth to the couple's second son on Wednesday. Photo / Norrie Montgomery

The Vodafone Warriors already have a reason to celebrate before taking to the field in this weekend's Downer NRL Nines.

Squad captain Simon Mannering is celebrating fatherhood again, after his partner Anna Bensemann gave birth to the couple's second son on Wednesday.

The new arrival is a younger brother for Zeke.

Mannering is not a member of Warriors' squad for this weekend's Nines tournament at Eden Park, but his latest baby is sure to have added to the side's spirits in the lead-up to kick-off.

Warriors management confirmed Mannering had also decided to sit out next weekend's NRL All Stars match in Brisbane to stay in Auckland to support his partner and their young family.

As Kiwi captain, Mannering was an automatic original selection in the Wayne Bennett-coached World All Stars squad.

"We're all delighted for Simon and Anna," said Vodafone Warriors managing director Jim Doyle.

"I know Simon was looking forward to playing for the All Stars but it's far more important for him to stay at home to be with Anna at this time."

The Herald on Sunday reported last September that 11 of last season's team, including captain Mannering, had recently welcomed or were expecting babies.

Fellow star forward Ryan Hoffman's wife, Melissa, gave birth to a daughter, Mia Grace, in October.

Mia was born in Auckland because her mother was not able to travel back to Australia after the season ended, Hoffman said at the time.

"So we've got a little Kiwi baby."