11 Jan 2013

Minichiello named Roosters NRL captain

6:14 pm on 11 January 2013

Anthony Minichiello has been named captain of the Sydney Roosters for the 2013 National Rugby League season.

The 32-year-old fullback, who made his first-grade debut for the foundation club in 2000, will be supported by four vice-captains in Mitchell Pearce, Jake Friend, Jared Waera-Hargreaves and Boyd Cordner, the Roosters announced today.

Rookie NRL coach Trent Robinson says he took some time in the off-season to assess his squad before Minichiello emerged from the pack.

Elsewhere Gold Coast have re-signed New South Wales Origin forward Greg Bird on a four-year deal reportedly worth about$690,000 a season.

Bird knocked back several lucrative offers from rival NRL clubs to remain at the Titans until the end of the 2017 season.

The 28-year-old has played 164 NRL matches including 58 for the Titans.