League: Captaincy easy choice

Kiwis veteran Ruben Wiki was yesterday named captain for Saturday's opening Tri-Nations league test against Australia in Sydney.

The Warriors prop has skippered the Kiwis for the past couple of seasons leaving coach Brian McClennan with an ideal leader for the latest international campaign.

"Ruben is one of the greatest players I've ever had the pleasure of working with," McClennan said of the 43-test veteran.

"He is a player who leads by example. He may not have a lot to say but when he speaks he does it with authority and mana.

"His leadership skills are outstanding but he is also a very humble person and that makes him an easy pick for captain."

Meanwhile Melbourne winger Jake Webster has been called into the 21-man squad after newcomer Iosia Soliola suffered a knee injury.

McClennan said the decision to withdraw Soliola was difficult but it was best for the young star's long-term career prospects.

"Iosia has a big future ahead of him. If he keeps playing the way he has in 2005 he'll get another chance to represent New Zealand pretty soon."

- NZPA