During the Ryan James contract extension media conference on Tuesday, Coach Neil Henry was again questioned on the 2017 Captaincy role and who the contenders may be.
Henry was quick to mention that James was well in the running but he was not going to be rushed into a decision. Asked whether James was ready to lead the club, he was quick to mention that he was definitely a chance.
“He certainly is,” Henry said. “I think he did it a couple of times last year so there is no doubt he is an contender.
“He’s got a desire to lead the club, he is one of the leadership group already and he has put his hand up for the role.”
James re-signed with the club for a further three seasons which will see him at the club through until at least 2020 and Henry believes the Bilambil Jets junior is ready to show that he is a leader.
“He’s getting to that age, his late-20s and he’s ready to show that he’s a leader.”
A model that many clubs are now taking is also the ‘co-captaincy’ which Henry didn’t dismiss as an option.
“I’m not sure just yet. Ryan’s not an 80-minute player so you need to nominate a player that can talk to the referees on the field as well.
“Whether or not one of our younger players is ready as well, we’ve got three halves there, so we’ll see what happens.
Coach Henry also mentioned that the recruitment and retention was just getting started and members and fans should be excited about that.
“The place is moving forward, especially here at Parkwood. It doesn’t give us wins but it gives you a quality facility with everyone under one roof.
“The boys have no excuse when it comes to a facility and it’s also attractive for other players as well. It’s a good lifestyle, it’s a club on the move, so I think that puts us in a good position to recruit.”
