Skipper takes helm

WIREMU Ratana admits he was a little surprised when Sunshine Coast Sea Eagles coach Adam Mogg asked him to captain the Queensland Cup side this year.

Wiremu Ratana has been chosen by coach Adam Mogg as the new Sunshine Coast Sea Eagles captain. Picture: Cade Mooney

WIREMU Ratana admits he was a little surprised when Sunshine Coast Sea Eagles coach Adam Mogg asked him to captain the Queensland Cup side this year.

But his mood quickly changed to excitement when he realised he would be marshalling around one of the youngest teams in the competition.

“It was a surprise, I didn't think I would get it,” he told the Daily yesterday.

“Especially being pretty new to the club. I've only played one year so far but I'm pretty happy about it. It's a bit of a challenge for me.”

Ratana, 23, joined the club last year from Norths.

The Kiwi product only moved to Australia four years ago to pursue his league dreams.

Ratana, who plays in the second row, assumes the role from Manly NRL halfback Daly Cherry-Evans.

Cherry-Evans was handed the captaincy mid-year last season after fullback Dennis Sandow was initially awarded it.

Ratana said the club was facing a big challenge this season after losing its link to Manly but he was confident the young brigade would stand up and be counted.

“We're a bit light on for numbers compared to last year but I think we'll be in for a big season,” he said.

“They're mostly all young guys. We've got a few new faces but a few of the boys have stuck around from last year though which is good.”

Rookie coach Mogg said Ratana's on-field qualities had caught his eye.

“I just think Wiremu is a guy that goes about his work and gets the job done with no fuss,” he said.

“He's been around the club now and got experience and as a player the young guys will look to him for leadership.

“I don't need him to be a big talker on the field. What I need him to do is what he does best and that's lead from the front with his actions.”

Ratana will be supported by Jon Muir, Marty Cordwell and Robert Congoo with the four making up the Sea Eagles' leadership group.

“They're guys who have trained really well, led from the front and also carry plenty of experience amongst the young squad,” Mogg said.

“Jon's been around the club for a while, Rob's got experience in an NRL system (Cowboys) and I've been really happy with the way Marty's applied himself to training. His commitment has earnt him the spot really.”

The Sea Eagles are set to face Souths Logan in a trial on Saturday night after last weekend's match was cancelled due to the weather.

Originally published as Skipper takes helm