S4Sonny
Ooh Ahh Cantona
- Joined
- Jul 23, 2009
- Messages
- 12,874
- Reaction score
- 162
An emotional Preston Campbell has been forced to withdraw from the upcoming All Stars clash, handing over the captaincy of the Indigenous side to Johnathan Thurston.
Concept creator Campbell has been battling a hamstring injury in the hope he could lead the Indigenous All Stars against the NRL All Stars at Skilled Park on Saturday week.
However he reluctantly made the decision on Wednesday he could not play in such a special game when not 100 per cent fit.
"It's disappointing to miss out, particularly because it's such a big game for me," Campbell said.
"But I'm only about 80 per cent fit at the moment and because it's such a significant game for a lot of people, it's only fair to have the strongest team out there on the field.
"The positive thing is that I'll still be involved in all the great community activities that happen off the field during All Stars week."
Thurston was "honoured" to be given the job of replacing Campbell as captain.
"Taking on the role of captain in a side that represents my people is very special and I'll be doing everything I can to live up to the high standard that Preston set as the inaugural captain of the side last year," said Thurston.
Parramatta hooker Anthony Mitchell will replace Campbell in the squad, while Warriors utility Joel Moon has been called up for Broncos forward Sam Thaiday (groin) who was ruled out last week.
Concept creator Campbell has been battling a hamstring injury in the hope he could lead the Indigenous All Stars against the NRL All Stars at Skilled Park on Saturday week.
However he reluctantly made the decision on Wednesday he could not play in such a special game when not 100 per cent fit.
"It's disappointing to miss out, particularly because it's such a big game for me," Campbell said.
"But I'm only about 80 per cent fit at the moment and because it's such a significant game for a lot of people, it's only fair to have the strongest team out there on the field.
"The positive thing is that I'll still be involved in all the great community activities that happen off the field during All Stars week."
Thurston was "honoured" to be given the job of replacing Campbell as captain.
"Taking on the role of captain in a side that represents my people is very special and I'll be doing everything I can to live up to the high standard that Preston set as the inaugural captain of the side last year," said Thurston.
Parramatta hooker Anthony Mitchell will replace Campbell in the squad, while Warriors utility Joel Moon has been called up for Broncos forward Sam Thaiday (groin) who was ruled out last week.
