Aquis Gold Coast Titans Head Coach Neil Henry has tonight announced that forwards Ryan James and Kevin Proctor will Co-Captain the club in 2017.
Henry made the announcement in front of over 350 guests at the club’s Season Launch held at the TFH High Performance Centre at Parkwood Village.
James has spent his entire NRL career at the club and with a total of 93 games played, Ryan will be looking to help the younger and less experienced players further develop their abilities.
“This is not just a proud moment for me, it also means a lot to my family,” James said. “I’ve grown up in the local area and have never had any thoughts of playing for anyone else.
“To have signed a new contract last month and to now have been given this additional honour, 2017 has started extremely well and I hope it continues throughout the season.
“To co-captain with someone like Kevin, who is another local product who then went to Melbourne as a young player, and to have him return and partner me in this role is something I believe will be good for the club.”
Proctor, a 179 game veteran admits he was a little surprised when Henry chose him as co-captain.
“Neil and I had a number of conversations early on about bringing that aspect of leadership to the club, but I was honestly shocked when he appointed me a co-captain,” Proctor said. “It’s a new refreshing start for me and all I hope is that I play to my potential, lead by example, and have a positive impact on the entire playing group.
“Ryan is a player I’ve watched grow over the years and off the back of his performances last year, I feel he is in for a big 2017.”
Henry said the leadership qualities both men possess will help propel the club to the next level.
“I certainly feel Ryan is ready for the responsibility of leading the team as co-captain,” Henry said. “He had a standout year in 2016 and having been at the club his whole career, he knows what it takes to lead the club.
“Kevin brings a wealth of NRL experience as well as having played at the highest level for his country. In his short period of time at the club, he has gained the respect of his team-mates and staff alike.
“He will be a great partner with Ryan in a leadership sense. ”
CEO Graham Annesley is very supportive of the decision to have James and Proctor as Co-Captains.
“Captaincy brings responsibilities both on and off the field, and in Ryan and Kevin we have two wonderful players who give their all on the field,” Annesley said. “They are both also highly respected and high quality individuals so they will not only be great leaders, they will be wonderful ambassadors for the Titans and the NRL competition.”
