Simon Mannering has pulled the plug on his international career after 45 games and 12 years wearing the black jumper.
Kearney made Mannering Kiwis captain in 2013 and has spent the last two seasons coaching him with the Warriors.
He says Mannering deserves to go down as a Kiwis great.
He says he's up there with icons like Mark Graham and Ruben Wiki who have worn the jersey before him.
Mannering says he spoke with new Kiwis coach Michael Maguire before making his decision.
He says Maguire had an inkling he was thinking of pulling the pin.
Warriors captain Roger Tuivasa-Sheck will be named in the NRL travelling squad shortly to play the Cowboys but is not yet cleared of an ankle injury.
NRL WITH TNT EXPRESS. PROUD SPONSORS OF THE VODAFONE WARRIORS.
