In focus: Warriors captains

Decorated veterans and comparatively youthful surprise choices have had the task of leading the Warriors since 1995.

WARRIORS 1995-2025 BOOK CHAPTER MENU

A total of 32 players have captained the Warriors in their 31-season existence, including 13 fulltime skippers – each who, for better or worse, added to the fascinating tapestry of the club’s history during their time in charge.

For a more detailed history of Warriors captains, view this article.

Former Kiwis and Wigan skipper Dean Bell was a model foundation leader at centre and lock in 1995, while Penrith’s 1991 premiership captain Greg Alexander took the reins for Auckland’s sophomore campaign before returning to the Panthers. Super League defector and incumbent New Zealand skipper Matthew Ridge’s belated move home in 1997 preceded an injury- and suspension-plagued three seasons as Warriors captain. Another former Kiwis captain, Stephen Kearney, was the chief back-up during the Warriors’ first four seasons. Stacey Jones and then John Simon led the club in 1999-2000 following Ridge’s demotion.