Roosters name new captain and vice-captain

[Jono078]

Roosters name new captain and vice-captain
Thursday, December 22, 2005

The 2006 Sydney Roosters will take a new shape in their 99th season; with 2002 Grand Final hero Craig Fitzgibbon named the club’s new captain today. And in a decision aimed at sharing the on-field workload, star recruit Ashley Harrison will take on the new role of vice-captain.

The announcement follows the retirement of popular skipper Luke Ricketson mid-year in 2005.

Both players have forged outstanding on and off-field reputations on the back of their tireless work ethic – and are delighted to spearhead the resurgence of rugby league’s oldest club.

“It’s one of the biggest highlights of my career,” Fitzgibbon said.

“The Roosters are a club renowned for their tradition and history and to look at names like Beetson and Fittler, to join that list is a massive honour.

“We’ve got a great squad of players here, so to have the chance to lead us towards a premiership next year is a privilege.

“Having Ashley there as vice-captain will only benefit my own game and the team.”

Queensland Origin forward Harrison added: “It’s something that’s unexpected but it’s a great honour.

“Craig will be the main man on the field next year but hopefully I can help ease his workload and benefit the team.

“I enjoyed the captaincy role at Souths, so I’m looking to earn the respect of the boys on the field next year through my performances as vice-captain.”

Head coach Ricky Stuart, fresh from his national appointment last week, described the duo as the ideal pair to lead the club into the future.

“And Ashley comes to us with a fresh enthusiasm and a desire to stamp his mark on the team.

“It can be a tough role, and while Craig will lead from the front, Ashley will provide great support.

“In today’s game, our players are competing at such a young age it is important that we have leaders who are respected and trusted.

“Craig and Ashley certainly fill this role and I find it necessary in today’s environment that having more than one leader is an advantage for the club as a whole.

“They’re the ideal choices for the Roosters as we look forward to what is a very bright future.”

There you go guys... Came across that today.

If anyone was gonna be vice-captain it should have been Minichiello imo.

 

[melon....]

There you go guys... Came across that today.

If anyone was gonna be vice-captain it should have been Minichiello imo.

Im actually wrapped that Harrison is VC. I wanted him as C, but he'll be close enough to the action. And knowing how the chooks pick their skippers, he has already earnt their respect.

Finally some great news that makes me look forward to 2006!....now if we can punt Finch, itll be like winning the comp....actually we probably would.

 

[Rooster Lozz]

I dont know about Fitzy being captain, i would have put Harrison as captain. I think we need somebody that the other players fear and when they say something on the field and get the sh*ts everyone takes note, it seems to me that Fitzy is way to nice. And i think its going to put more pressure on him which i dont think is needed

 

[LESStar58]

Fitzgibbon to prop I read today. Is Stuart on drugs? Fitzy isn't a front rower surely?

 

[melon....]

Fitzgibbon to prop I read today. Is Stuart on drugs? Fitzy isn't a front rower surely?

I mentioned Fitzy to prop a month ago in one of my early Podcasts....even Roosters fans thought I was mad.

 

[Deleted member 10972]

Can someone post confirmation of his move to prop?

 

[fillapop]

with the likes of edmunsom, shillington, morley, toupu, tonga and rose why would he even think of moveing him to prop?

 

[Deleted member 10972]

Edmondson & Tupou are highly mobile & would suit the backrow more, Rose is gone, but i was hoping Shillington would b the run on prop.

 

[melon....]

Can someone post confirmation of his move to prop?

I am suprised you didnt believe Melon's mail on this one. But if you want proof, its all over the articles on Foxsports, The Telegraph and SMH.

 

[Deleted member 10972]

i believed, just wanted some confirmation in writing lol.

 

[Holla if ya hear me]

hey numero..luke phillips is back playing in for Kurri Kurri in the newcastle comp

 

[m0j0]

hey numero..luke phillips is back playing in for Kurri Kurri in the newcastle comp

Sweet. I'll have to ensure I make it to the local match-up against the Roos next season.