25 Nov 2021

WOODS AND TA'AI NAMED IN NEWCASTLE THUNDER CAPTAINCY ROLES

Josh Woods and Ukuma Ta’ai have been named as Newcastle Thunder's captain and vice-captain respectively for the 2022 Betfred Championship season.

Both men proved key figures as the team retained their second-tier status during 2021, having arrived in the North East last winter and made their presence felt around Kingston Park.  

Woods, who joined Thunder from Wigan Warriors takes over the skipper’s position from Bob Beswick, following the former Ireland’s international at the end of the 2021 season.

Having deputised in the role during his first season with the north east club, Woods has already demonstrated his leadership abilities with Eamon O’Carroll certain he is the man for the job.

O’Carroll said: “It’s an honour to name Josh captain. Bob was brilliant for us last year, he had a really unique way of getting the best out of the group in a calm manner which helped us massively and with him leaving, it was important to put the right person in place and I know Woodsy is that.

“Josh leads by example and for such a young player he has really high standards and has been brilliant in and around the place in terms of driving forward what we’re trying to do.

“He had the opportunity to captain the side a couple of times last year and when he speaks, the room listens and you see a response.

“He’s a well like member of the group, has been in some good environments and he feels like the club is his now.  He wants to be here for a long time and I think that was important when we were picking the new captain that it is someone who we feel is going to be part of the club for a long time.”

Ta’ai meanwhile is assuming the vice-captaincy mantle as he continues as one of the most experienced men in the Thunder squad.

With almost 200 Super League appearances for Huddersfield Giants, Ta’ai has not only impressed on the field but also off it, working extensively with some of the club’s younger players and passing on his wealth of knowledge to aid their development.

O Carroll added: “Ukuma is like having an extra coach on the field. I can’t do it justice how good he is for the club, not just the team.

“He drives the culture here and is like the father of the group and in sessions when he speaks, he has everyone’s attention and commands respect and I know he is also going to be really good in helping Woodsy in his leadership role.”

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