Vodafone Warriors Set For A Double Act

Auckland, New Zealand, February 10, 2001 – Stacey Jones and Kevin Campion will jointly captain the Vodafone Warriors into the 2001 season. The appointment of the pair was announced at today’s Open Day gala hosted by the club at Ericsson Stadium.

The Vodafone Warriors also revealed their new, predominantly black, strip at the event. Both captains anticipate this new look proceeds a change in on-field attitude as well.

“Being made captain is an enormous honour, especially given my short time with the club. I’m looking forward to the new challenge. I only hope I can do the job admirably. The guys are determined to put in some credible performances and I’m expecting some good results,” says Campion.

Jones agrees the role is a great privilege, “I’m very honoured and I can’t wait for that first kick off against Canberra. The Raiders are a great side and I know we’ll be putting forward a solid effort. And the shared skipper role is a good idea, I’ve got a lot of respect for Kevin and I think we’ll share our responsibilities well.”

Coach Daniel Anderson is convinced both Campion and Jones have the skills to successfully lead the side. “Kevin and Stacey have the track records for the job. Their attributes on the field, NRL experience, and the respect the guys in the squad have for them is obvious”.

“They’ll each have a clear role during games. We’ve got a young side and we believe sharing the captain’s responsibilities is the wisest option –there is a lot to do this year. Their commitment and level of presence within the team dynamic will assist in making the most of a young team in a short time.”
Mick Watson, general manager, agrees a dual captaincy is the right choice for the club. “The demands a captain faces are significant, on and off the field. It really is a 24-hour, seven day a week job. Joint leadership will see a sharing of that burden.”

“We are also excited about our new strip. So much has changed at the club lately and we thought it fitting the makeover include a new jersey. Black seemed the obvious choice – it holds a great deal of symbolism for Kiwis and we want to tap into that image of nationhood. This team effectively represents New Zealand in the NRL and we know the public’s support is going to be crucial this year,” says Watson.

The captains have a clear message for those supporters. “A lot of stuff has been said about the Warriors in the past year or so, and most of it hasn’t been positive. I want our fans to know we are determined to prove the critics wrong. We will deliver some great football this year and we’re prepared to make our opposition work hard,” says Jones.

Fans will be able to see Campion, Jones and their team in action when the Vodafone Warriors play the Canberra Raiders at Ericsson Stadium, Sunday, February 18.

ENDS.

© Scoop Media