Kearney still mulling Warriors captaincy

Jan 23, 2017 - 2:42 AM New Warriors coach Stephen Kearney is still to decide if Ryan Hoffman will remain as captain of the NRL side.

Kearney won't reveal who else is in contention but says he wants to take his time to identify the best man to lead his team in 2017.

Former Kangaroos and NSW second-rower Hoffman was named skipper last year, in his second season at the Warriors, after long-serving captain Simon Mannering relinquished the role.

Kearney hinted there are several good options in his leadership group who are capable of guiding the under-performing club to the play-offs for the first time since 2011.

"We're pretty fortunate that we've got some pretty experienced guys there," he said.

"I just want to make sure it's the right decision for the group. We should have a call on that in the next two-to-three weeks."

Meanwhile, Kearney says several core members of his team won't be considered for the NRL Nines in Auckland in early February.

Forwards Ben Matulino, Jacob Lillyman and Mannering aren't at full fitness so won't play, along with veteran winger Manu Vatuvei.

"I'm just mindful of making sure that we're not taking too many risks there," Kearney said.

Source: AAP