Pearce overlooked for Roosters captaincy

Jan 23, 2017 - 6:30 AM Mitchell Pearce has been overlooked for the Sydney Roosters captaincy with Jake Friend and Boyd Cordner to share the leadership of the side for the 2017 NRL season.

Former NSW halfback Pearce was dropped as Roosters co-captain in the wake of last year's Australia Day scandal.

After serving an eight-game suspension and spending time in a Thailand rehabilitation facility, Pearce returned to be one of the team's strongest contributors in the back half of the season.

He was overlooked by coach Trent Robinson to resume as one of the skippers in 2017 with NSW back-rower Cordner joining Friend as co-captains.

"Like Jake, Boyd is someone who has the respect of both his peers and the coaching staff," Robinson said.

"In their own way, Jake and Boyd are vital leaders with a huge amount of experience."

Cordner has been elevated to the captaincy after serving as vice-captain since 2013.

"It means the world to me to be named a captain of the Sydney Roosters," Cordner said.

"The club means so much to me, and to take on this role alongside someone like Jake, who's not only someone I respect but also a really good mate, makes it really special."

New Zealand Test prop Jared Waerea-Hargreaves will continue as vice-captain.

Source: AAP