Kennedy named Eagles captain

[nqboy]

http://foxsports.news.com.au/story/0,8659,18067154-23210,00.html


VETERAN Test back rower Ben Kennedy was today named Manly captain for the 2006 NRL season.

The 31-year-old former Newcastle forward takes over the leadership from Michael Monaghan.

Coach Des Hasler described Kennedy as the "best onfield leader in the club".

"Ben Kennedy is an inspirational player and an obvious choice as captain," Hasler said via a club statement.

"His first-up season with Manly was exceptional last year and the leadership won't affect his role in any way."

Kennedy beat out Monaghan and new recruit Matt Orford for the role.

 

[brook]

A good choice.

 

[Baron Vo Mandor]

Congrats to him well done.

 

[wittyfan]

I would have thought Witty would have been the man for the job, not someone in the sunset of his career.

 

[Garts]

I would have thought Witty would have been the man for the job, not someone in the sunset of his career.

he is still in with a chance of being PL captain ;-)

 

[wittyfan]

No, Travis Burns will get that gig.

 

[chileman]

The Manly Sea Eagles today, named test forward Ben Kennedy as the Club’s Captain for the 2006 NRL Telstra Cup campaign.

The 31 year old accepted the captaincy role offered by Coach, Des Hasler, who described his veteran forward as the “best on field leader in the Club”.

“Ben Kennedy is an inspirational player and an obvious choice as captain. His first up season with Manly was exceptional last year and the leadership won’t affect his role in any way”, Hasler said.

Kennedy takes over the captaincy from Michael Monaghan, who led the side into last year’s finals. Hasler informed Monaghan of his decision early today.

“He was disappointed and that’s the reaction I would have expected but he realises he faces challenges and it is best that he does that without the captaincy issue hanging over his head. He has been one of our best trainers in the off season and has impressed everyone with his attitude”, Hasler said.

Monaghan said that he was disappointed to lose the job. It has been an honour to captain the Club with great players like Steve Menzies and Ben Kennedy, but as Des has said I face challenges this season and it’s best that I meet them without the added responsibility of the captaincy.

“I am glad it has been done now – we have a good squad and like everyone at Manly I am looking forward to the season ahead”. “I am happy with the way the Club has managed the issue and I look forward to contributing in a senior role”, Monaghan said.

Kennedy said he sees the captaincy role as another challenge in his great career. “When I came to Manly 12 months ago, it was a challenge and it was good for my game – it is an honour to captain a Club with the tradition and success that Manly has had over the years”.

“There is a good mixture of experience and youth in our side which will make my job easier”.

“I am looking forward to Manly improving on last years eighth position”, Kennedy said.

Manly CEO, Patrick Wilson, said Club management supported the coach in the choice of the captain.

“It is a decision the coach has put a lot of thought into and it is a tribute to Ben Kennedy’s status in the game and at this Club that he is made captain in only his second season”. “His arrival at Brookvale last season reinforced his reputation as one of the best forwards in the game and he will lead from the front”, Wilson said.
_________________