The Sydney Roosters are pleased to announce that Mitchell Pearce and Jake Friend have been appointed Sydney Roosters Co-Captains.
Roosters Head Coach, Trent Robinson, spoke about the qualities that earned Pearce and Friend the co-captaincy and said that the appointment of the duo reflects the calibre of leadership presently at the Club.
“Both Mitchell and Jake joined the Roosters as teenagers and while they’re only in their mid-20s, both men are seasoned campaigners who have matured into strong leaders at our Club,” said Robinson.
“Mitchell and Jake typify what we want to be as a football club. They command the respect of the playing group and I have no doubt that they will complement one another as co-captains.
“On the field, Mitchell has been our chief playmaker for a number of years and has matured into a strong leader. Likewise, Jake is a vital on-field leader and is the ultimate competitor who leads by example. Off the field, they both set the tone at training, go above and beyond the call of duty and have the respect of not only their teammates but also the coaches and staff involved at the Club,” added Robinson.
Echoing Robinson’s sentiments, Sydney Roosters Chief Operating Officer Football, Brian Canavan, spoke about the important contribution Pearce and Friend make to the Sydney Roosters away from football.
“While they play an important role as leaders on the field, just as important is the role they play as representatives of the Sydney Roosters, and both men do a terrific job engaging with our community, Members and Corporate Partners,” said Canavan.
Since making his debut with the Roosters as a 17-year old in 2007, 25-year-old Pearce has played 182 NRL games to date. Friend, also 25 years-old, made his NRL debut with the Roosters at the age of 18 in 2008 and has played 143 top grade games to date.
Pearce and Friend spoke about the tremendous honour they felt to be named co-captains of the Sydney Roosters.
“To be named a co-captain of the Club I love so much means the world to me. It’s an honour I don’t take lightly, but one I am ready for,” said Pearce.
“And to be sharing the role with someone like Jake who’s not only such a terrific player and leader, but a really good mate, makes it all the more special,” added Pearce.
“Both Pearcey and I have learnt from some great captains like Brad Fittler, Luke Ricketson, Craig Fitzgibbon, Braith Anasta and Anthony Minichiello, and to be joining those names as well as the likes of Beetson and Messenger is the most incredible honour,” said Friend.
“I feel so proud to represent the Roosters and being chosen to lead the team together with Pearcey is a responsibility I’m very much looking forward to,” he added.
The Roosters also announced that Jared Waerea-Hargreaves and Boyd Cordner would continue to be key contributors to the Club’s senior leadership structure as vice-captains.
“Jared and Boyd have certainly grown as leaders since being appointed vice-captains in 2013, and while Mitchell and Jake will lead from the front, Jared and Boyd will continue to act in important supporting roles on and off the field,” said Robinson.
In attendance at the announcement were former Roosters captains Fittler, Ricketson, Fitzgibbon, Anasta and Minichiello, who have all remained involved with the Club in an official capacity since their retirement.
Stay tuned to Roosters TV for in-depth interviews with new Co-Captains Friend and Pearce, Head Coach Trent Robinson and former Captains from today's announcement.
Join The Club and follow Jake and Mitchell in 2015 as an Official Roosters Member. CLICK HEREto check out available Packages for the season ahead.
