Club elects to go with ‘Leadership Group’ for season
● WIDNES will have cocaptains for their 2017 campaign in the shape of half-back Joe Mellor and second-row forward Chris Houston.
Head coach Denis Betts was forced to review the captaincy situation after Kevin Brown left the Vikings in the off-season to join local rivals Warrington Wolves.
Betts revealed the decision to appoint Mellor and Brown came after discussions amongst the coaching staff and consultation with the players.
It was also determined that Aaron Heremaia and Tom Gilmore would become vice-captains to complete the leadership group.
Betts said: “Widnes Vikings has strong leadership qualities across the team, so I canvassed the views of our players and coaches in making this decision.
“I am delighted the club will be led in 2017 by our leadership group of Chris and Joe, supported by Tom and Aaron.
“The Leadership Group has great character, lots of understanding and they are inspirational in their actions.
“We have a fantastic team of players who want to work hard, enjoy being here and aspire for success.
“I’m excited for the season ahead.”
Each member of the newly-appointed quartet is relishing their new role.
Mellor said: “It’s an honour to be named as one of the four leaders for the upcoming season.
“I’m very proud to have been selected for this role by the coaches and my teammates.
“We know what it will mean to the town if we can bring greater success to the club and that is something that really motivates us all.”
Experienced Australian packman Houston, commented: “I’m delighted to have been named as one of the co-captains for the upcoming season, with Joe.
“I have been involved in leadership roles throughout my career and I am looking forward to building on this experience at Widnes Vikings.
“I want to lead by example - playing and training well and always giving it my all.
“The club has some outstanding young players and I’m looking forward to supporting them.”
On his role as a vicecaptain, Heremaia said: “It is a privilege to be part of this leadership group.
“Tom, Joe and Chris are well respected amongst our players and coaches, so I can’t wait to hit the field with them this season.
“We are a close-knit team and I am sure that together we can push the club in the right direction.”
The fourth member of the quartet, Gilmore, chipped in: “As a Widnes local and someone who has grown up in this club, I’m proud to take on this role.
“Being a half-back I need to be a leader on the pitch, so it is natural for me to lead and be vocal.
“This is an exciting time and I can’t wait for the season ahead.”