Seagulls’ Intrust Super Cup co-captains, Sam Meskell and Damian Sironen, have the same attitude towards the honour of leading a re-shaped squad into the 2017 season chasing much-needed success.
Lead by example.
Crafty hooker Meskell, who had the captaincy’s job for the first time last season alongside James Wood, says consistency in his own performance is what he hopes to contribute to an improved team performance.
“We have to be more consistent, over the 80 minutes and the season, and that’s where I suppose I want to play a role as an experienced player,” he said.
“In this tough competition, we have to put in every weekend, and do it at training as well.
“It’s an honour to lead the team and my style is to probably just try to lead by example.”
Sironen, who returns to the Seagulls after two seasons away in NSW where he won their state cup in 2015 with Newcastle Knights and 2016 with Dragons’ feeder team Illawarra Cutters, has missed the three pre-season trials because of a shoulder injury.
But he has worked relentlessly to be fit for Sunday’s opening round clash with Ipswich, and faces a fitness test late in the week to ensure he will take his place.
At Saturday’s season launch, he spoke passionately about hoping to set an example to his teammates with his persistence and determination.
He has been in the NRL system at the Titans (2015 pre-season), Knights and Dragons and wants to bring that experience to the Seagulls in his example at training and on game-day.
“I’m still only 24 and still have a goal to play NRL as a lot of the guys here have and playing well in the Intrust Super Cup still gives us that opportunity to progress,” he said.
“I want to show the boys that if they persist, and work hard, they can achieve their goals to and as a group we have to have that attitude.
“It’s a privilege to be co-captain. This is a good level of footy, the step below NRL, and I think we have a great opportunity to do well this season after a very good pre-season and I’ve worked as hard as I can to be there for round one.”
Added coach Aaron Zimmerle:
“Sam is popular amongst the group, respected and leads by example at training and ‘Sirro’ was someone probably groomed for it before he headed to NSW to win multiple premierships,” said coach Aaron Zimmerle.
“After talking to the senior players, we decided on co-captains again in 2017 and are fortunate to have two quality leaders in ‘Mesk’ and ‘Sirro’.”
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