MACQUARIE coach Adam Bettridge had no hesitation in naming Andrew Sumner captain of the Scorpions but the halfback will have extra responsibilities for the opening month of competition.
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Club junior Sumner will lead Macquarie onto Cessnock Sportsground for Saturday’s first-round clash against the Goannas, but he won’t be accompanied by injured star signing Scott Briggs.
The former Souths playmaker broke his left arm in Newcastle representative trial against Western Division in February and isn’t expected back until a fifth-round grand final replay with title-holders Lakes.
Briggs had come across to join former Souths mentor Bettridge at Toronto as a replacement for retiring veteran Mick Moran.
But with both of those players out of the picture Sumner will now strike up a partnership with Chris Hyde, as Macquarie attempt to make amends for last year’s grand final loss.
“It’s a new partnership and one which is a work in progress,” Bettridge said.
“Trials and training have gone well but we will have to wait and see how it goes this weekend.
“Andy [Sumner] knows he has a greater responsibility to both lead and steer the boys around the park, but I’m positive he can get the job done for us.”
Sumner, who clocked up his 100th first-grade game in 2015, takes over the reins from lock Blake Gallen and Bettridge felt it was the right move to make.
“Andy is very dedicated to his football, is a local junior and takes a lot of pride in wearing that jumper,” Bettridge said.
“It will be his first appointment but he has been a leader from a young age.”
Macquarie will also be without former Kurri second-rower Daniel Abraham, who is sidelined with an arm injury sustained in a trial last month.
Cessnock have new signing Marvin Filipo at five-eighth alongside former NRL and Super League halfback Liam Foran.
In other games on Saturday, Kurri have named last year’s leading try scorer Ryan Walker on the bench for their away game with South Newcastle at Townson Oval.
Meanwhile, dual premiership-winning winger Willie Poleo features at prop in the Pickers’ team against Lakes at Maitland.
On Sunday, competition favourites Western Suburbs line up against Central Newcastle at Harker Oval, with Gold Coast Titans pair Brad Tighe and Chad Redman at fullback and hooker respectively.
Kick-off is 3pm.
