Marshall dumped as Kiwi captain

Benji Marshall ... still a vital part of New Zealand push for World Cup glory. Source: RENEE MCKAY / AAP

Benji Marshall has been stripped of the New Zealand rugby league captaincy ahead of this year's World Cup and he's not happy about the demotion.

Marshall was relieved of the captaincy by coach Stephen Kearney, who said the decision had been made in the best interests of the team.

"It was a very tough conversation," said Kearney.

"Benji is an immensely proud New Zealander and his desire was to continue in the captaincy role.

"Although this decision has been a difficult one, it has been made in the best interests of the team and Benji will remain an integral part of the Kiwis going forward."

Marshall, 29, played a key role in New Zealand's shock World Cup final defeat of Australia in 2008, with the Wests Tigers playmaker scoring a try and kicking two conversions in the 34-20 win.

New Zealand Rugby League's general manager of high performance Tony Kemp said: "Because of who he is, he carries a massive workload for rugby league in general.

"Our respect for him is immense and we appreciate that he's hurting now but we believe this decision will ultimately lift some weight from Benji and give the Kiwis every opportunity to defend the Rugby League World Cup."

The new captain will be named at a media conference in Auckland on Friday with Warriors captain Simon Mannering the leading contender. 

View the original article here

Hindy backs captain Hayne

Jarryd Hayne ... captaincy will be the making of Hayne according to Nathan Hindmarsh. Source: Sam Ruttyn / News Limited

Nathan Hindmarsh has backed the appointment of Jarryd Hayne and Reni Maitua as Parramatta co-captains in 2013 - with the retired champion declaring the responsibility will make Hayne a better footballer.

New coach Ricky Stuart will officially announce today that Hayne and Maitua will share the job Hindmarsh vacated following his retirement at the end of last season.

Hayne's critics were quick to belittle the decision this week when, with some suggesting Hayne doesn't have the right attitude to lead by example on or off the field.

But Hindmarsh is adamant the 25-year-old Hayne is ready to step up.

"I think with this added responsibility he will go to that next level," Hindmarsh said.

"We all can't be thrown in as a captain at a young age.

"Nathan Cayless was quite a young captain but he was ready for it but a lot of young blokes aren't ready for that responsibility.

"But I think the added responsibility now and the help from others in the club including Reni, I think he will do a good job.

"I think Haynsey has always wanted to lead, this just gives him a bit more responsibility that maybe he has been looking for.

"I think he will do a good job - and with Reni being a co-captain I think they can bounce things off each other pretty well."

There has long been a perception among fans that Hayne needs to do more on the field but statistics supplied by Fox Sports Stats give a true indication of just how much Hayne already contributes.

Despite playing just 12 games for the Eels last year Hayne still finished the season with the most try assists (14), the most line break assists (14), the second most line breaks
(11), the fourth most tries (8) and averaged the equal most metres per game (152).

To put that in perspective Greg Inglis averaged 153m at fullback last season and Billy Slater averaged only 127m.

On top of that, since 2010 for all players to have started 20 or more games at fullback in the NRL, Hayne averages the most metres (162 per game).

In that same period, in all starting positions, Hayne has made 53 try assists - the next most for the Eels in that period is Daniel Mortimer with 10.

Hayne's appointment is just reward for the work he has put in over summer.

Coach Stuart said the superstar fullback was a standout performer during pre-season training, along with Fuifui Moimoi and Chris Sandow.

---

View the original article here

Brisbane name new captain for 2013

Leading Lion ... Jed Adcock is a co-captain at Brisbane. Source: Michael Klein / News Limited

Brisbane Lions defender Jed Adcock has been appointed as the club's co-captain alongside Jonathan Brown.

The 27-year-old Adcock and Brown will be joined in the Brisbane leadership group by young guns Daniel Rich and Tom Rockliff. 

---

Who will you pick in your FOX FOOTY Supercoach team? Perhaps the new leader at the Lions? Join Australia's biggest fantasy sports game and have a shot at $50,000.

---

Adcock has 141 career games to his name after making his senior debut in 2004.

He has regularly filled in as acting captain when Brown has been injured in recent years and his greater on-field experience gave him the edge over his captaincy rivals.

Adcock is the eighth player in the history of the Brisbane Lions to be appointed captain or co-captain.

"It's a huge honour. Massive,'' Adcock said.

"This club had a great tradition so to be recognised as a co-captain is a huge honour. Very proud.''

Senior coach Michael Voss said the new leadership structure was a good fit for the club.

"Jed has demonstrated outstanding leadership over his time at the Lions, and most specifically in his past four seasons as a vice-captain," Voss said.

"As we know, Brownie won't be around forever, and with Jed as co-captain, it will not only ease the load on Brownie but importantly they will both play a critical role in the continued development of Tom's and Daniel's leadership capabilities over the coming years.

"Jed is not only a leader on-field, he is an excellent representative of this footy club, and its culture and values.

"Tom and Daniel, as the deputies, are extremely capable young men who have shown maturity beyond their years in their short times at the club."

View the original article here