McCalman, Tessmann to co-captain Force

[volvo]

By Justin Chadwick - AAP on December 12, 2016, 2:01 am

Wallabies back rower Ben McCalman and hooker Heath Tessmann are the new co-captains of the Western Force after Matt Hodgson decided to stand down from the role.

Hodgson announced in October he would play on for the Force in 2017 but hand over the captaincy.

McCalman always loomed as Hodgson's natural successor.

But the appointment of Tessmann will come as somewhat of a surprise to many rugby fans.

Tessmann faces a major fight just to earn a starting berth this season following the signing of Wallabies hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau.

But coach Dave Wessels said Tessmann's exemplary leadership qualities were simply too hard to ignore.

"Dog (McCalman) will be our on-field tactical or strategic captain and Heath is our off-field standards captain.

"Heath's in charge of the environment and Dog's in charge of the rugby.

"I'm not of the view that Heath's position is guaranteed in the team. He recognises that. He's prepared to fight hard for that.

"I don't think that stops his ability to lead off the field. He's a highly respected player within our group."

Wessels paid tribute to 35-year-old Hodgson, who was the heartbeat of the Force during his four-year stint as captain.

"It's a very big gesture by Matt. He cares very deeply about the club and he recognised it's not the title that's important, it's his contribution," Wessels said.

"He thinks that he can do a good job of guiding the next generation of leaders for the club.

"There'll be a lot of wisdom shared there by the fact Dog and Hodgo are friends.

"Dog will always feel comfortable asking Matt for advice on different things.

"That's why we've taken that step, as opposed to making this decision in a year's time when Hodgo's not around."

McCalman is set to be fit for the start of the season despite twice injuring his shoulder while on Wallabies duty.

"He was owed some leave, so he took that and it's taken a bit of a load off the scapula of his," Wessels said of the 28-year-old.

"He's running around now without a lot of the other aches and pains his body generally has, so he's feeling pretty good about that."

https://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/sp...n-force/#page1

[volvo]

No surprises there. Both hard working players and great force men. Big dog like Hodgo will lead by example with his great work rate on the field and the 3 year contract he signed last year shows his commitment to the club. Heath has showed great leadership in the NRC and deserves it. Great to see how the NRC is not only developing the generation of players but also the next set of leaders or rugby in Australia. Can't wait for next year.

[Alison]

Great outcome! Ben is in his element on the field but pretty shy off it so having Heath do a lot of the media and meet and greet stuff will be a lot less pressure for him.

Bring on season 2017!!