Titans name co-captains
Jetstar Gold Coast Titans Coach John Cartwright this afternoon informed the entire Jetstar Titans squad of his decision to appoint Scott Prince and Luke Bailey as Co Captains for the Jetstar Titans inaugural NRL season.
Cartwright said in the end, the two players made what loomed as a difficult decision quite easy.
“To be honest I didn't think that I would make this announcement until after the Christmas break, however both Scott and Luke have stood out as the pace setters at pre-season training and both have set extremely high standards for their team mates. Scott is a natural leader with a head for pressure situations while big Luke is simply a player that leads by example.”
“With the increasing pressure and demands on the Captaincy, we are just blessed to have two members of our squad who can share the work load, and more importantly they are two players who have a head for pressure football and the big game and I am confident their form won't be affected by having the letter C next to their name, in fact I think it will probably spur them on.”
Jetstar Titans Managing Director Michael Searle was also present for today's announcement and is more than happy with the Coach's decision.
“The fact that both Scott and Luke are so determined to take their own game and the game of their team mates to a higher level through dedication and application on and off the training paddock makes this pair the perfect choice for our club as we head towards season number one.” Searle said.
Bailey a former Test Centre said playing at a high pressure Club like St George Illawarra for so long would stand him in good stead as he Captains his first side since leading out the Shell Harbour under thirteens.
"I think it's fantastic, when we lose you can talk to Scotty, when we win you can talk to me.”
"It eases the pressure on both of us. I've come from a pressure-building club at St George so I've learnt to cope with a bit of pressure, I never gave the Captaincy a second thought, I just thought having already led the West Tigers to a Premiership Scott would be a certainty, I am wrapped, it's certainly a career highlight.”
"My job won't change at all. I'm not easy to satisfy so I like to work hard and always improve my game.
"Over the last couple of years I developed a few leadership qualities and I think I can bring that to this team."
Scott Prince will be responsible for the on field duties and decisions, with Bailey charged with guiding a young enthusiastic forward pack around the field. Off field, the pair will share all duties.
Tipped as the favourite for the Titans Captaincy since signing with the new NRL franchise, Scott Prince who was named 2005 Dally M Captain of the year is looking forward to the many challenges that he and his team mates will face in 2007.
“I am happy and proud.” Prince said. "Very few players get the chance to Captain a brand new Club, it's a great honour and I am wrapped that the Coach has the faith in me to do the job for him with Luke, I can't wait.”