New Zealand Warriors prop Jacob Lillyman believes the club made the right call naming Roger Tuivasa-Sheck as captain for the 2017 season.
Tuivasa-Sheck will be replacing Ryan Hoffman, who has been told he will not be re-signed.
Tuivasa-Sheck spoke to Lillyman before accepting the role, and the prop is positive the 23-year old can lead the Warriors in the right direction.
"It's a great appointment with the big picture in mind in terms of the future.
"He probably wasn't everybody's first choice, but you have to look at what he does on the training field and the way he prepares himself every week.
"He's a great example to everyone, especially the young guys. It will be great for his development as a player and he will be there for a long time."
Tuivasa-Sheck will be leading the side in the final pre-season match against the Gold Coast Titans on Sunday in Palmerton North.
The trial match will be the first time Lillyman has played this year after recovering from a hamstring injury which he has been battling since last season.
However the Queensland representative is not sure how he injured the hamstring in the first place, which made the recovery period difficult.
"It's a mystery," said Lillyman. "I'm on top of it now and I'm looking forward to getting back on the park."
Lillyman will be the Warriors' senior prop for now, with two-time Warriors player of the year Ben Matulino recovering from knee surgery.
The 32-year old knows he will have to step up while Matulino is out, but he is confident younger props Sam Lisone, Albert Vete and Charlie Gubb will do the same.
"Benny is a big loss and we are going to miss him to start the year. Sammy [Lisone], Alby [Vete] and Gubby [Gubb] have really stepped up this preseason and they are defiantly ready to step up and take on that extra responsibility."
Another player who won't be playing in tomorrow's trial is Kieran Foran, who had his contract registered by the NRL on Wednesday.
The 26-year old five-eight will not be able to play until round three, when the Warriors face the Bulldogs in Dunedin.
Foran has battled a number of off-field issues in the last 12 months, which saw him walk away from the game.
The former Kiwis captain was still battling through personal issues when he arrived at the Warriors last October, but has improved significantly - which all the players have noticed.
"Definitely he's come a long way," said Lillyman.
"It's been a real battle for him but he's climbed out the other side and he's got a smile on his face and is good for a laugh.
"Speaking to him, he's really looking forward to getting out there. He's really happy to be a part of the Warriors and really wants to make a strong contribution.
"He's going to bring an awful lot to the side. He's got a little bit of work to do in getting the shoulder right, but now that he's got that date in mind he can really rip in."
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