Warriors head coach Stephen Kearney has named fullback Roger Tuivasa-Sheck as the club’s 2017 NRL captain, while also confirming Kiwi second rower Tohu Harris has been signed on a four-year deal from 2018.
The nominee for Kiwis player of the year enjoyed another stellar year for the Melbourne Storm in 2016 and is thrilled about the opportunity to join the Auckland-based franchise.
"I’ve had a great time with the Storm and I owe them so much for what they’ve done for me,” said Harris.
"Coming home to play for the Warriors is a fantastic opportunity, though. The club has a great roster with so many Kiwi boys there and being back in New Zealand closer to family is a big attraction.
"I also have great respect for Mooks [Kearney] through my time with him in the Kiwis and I look forward to working with him again."
Fullback Tuivasa-Sheck was honoured to be offered the captaincy duties, taking over from veteran forward Ryan Hoffman to become the club's 11th skipper.
"I was really humbled when Mooks [Kearney] offered me the position,” said the 23-year-old.
"It’s a huge privilege to be captain of my club and I’m excited about taking on the added responsibility. I want to do all I can to help the Warriors become the club we all want it to be."
Kearney himself paid tribute to Hoffman's contribution as captain while stressing the need for crafting a long-term vision for the franchise - a vision he believes both the appointment of Tuivasa-Sheck and the signing of a marquee name like Hastings-product Harris encapsulates.
"What we've done is to look further ahead with not just the captaincy but also the make-up of our squad.
"It's exciting to bring Roger in as our new captain and to also secure Tohu [Harris] from next season.
"He’s a wonderful forward, still young and very much at the top of his game. I certainly look forward to having him with us next year."
Simon Mannering will move in to claim the vice-captaincy, a role he gratefully accepts.
"I stepped aside from the captaincy last year and enjoyed the chance I had to focus more on my own job as a player," he said.
"I’m happy to do it if [Kearney] thinks it’s in the team’s best interests. For me it’s all about trying to make our club the best it can be."
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