Tohu Harris will take over as captain of the Warriors as the NRL club plans for life after Roger Tuivasa-Sheck.
Harris was on Wednesday confirmed as the Warriors' 11th full-time skipper, set to take charge from the opening round against St George Illawarra on the Sunshine Coast.
His appointment comes after Addin Fonua-Blake led the club at the end of 2021, when Tuivasa-Sheck was released early begin his rugby union career and Harris was injured.
But with Harris on the mend, the 29-year-old will be the cool head at the helm.
The Kiwi international takes over at a crucial time for the Warriors, who will start a third straight season in Australia before hoping to return to New Zealand in June.
"I never looked at myself or imagined myself in the captaincy role. This wasn't something I thought would ever happen," Harris said.
"I want to make sure I do the role justice and take this club forward.
"We're really trying to drive the connection to home.
"Whether you've been there or grown up there or haven't set foot there before, we want everyone in this club from staff to players and supporters to have a real connection to New Zealand, to Mount Smart Stadium and to the Pacific."
The appointment of Harris comes after he has been the club's best player for the past two years, regularly being their most reliable player in the middle.
"Being captain is our club's highest honour and in Tohu we have a wonderful leader with all the qualities we were looking for," CEO Cameron George said.
"He stands out as a player of the highest class winning the Simon Mannering Medal in each of the last two seasons.
"Equally he has wonderful personal qualities.
"We know he will do a fantastic job leading the club next season and in years to come."
Australian Associated Press
