Schifcofske new Canberra
Raiders captain

The Canberra Raiders have appointed star fullback Clinton Schifcofske as captain for their historic 25th season in 2006.

Schifcofske was officially named as Raiders skipper following a two-day tactical camp at the Australian Institute of Sport.

Schifcofske has played 116 of his career 211 first grade games with the Raiders. The former Queensland State of Origin representative said he?d never been more prepared for the captaincy role.

?I?ve played first grade for 10 years and this is obviously something you always aspire to,? Schifcofske said. ?I think I?m ready for it and that?s something which has come with age, maturity and responsibility.

?I?m a firm believer that actions speak louder than words, but I heard a good quote the other day. I?m an NFL fan and TV commentators were talking about the great quarterback Dan Marino. They said captaincy, leadership and respect isn?t announced, it?s earned.?

Schifcofske paid tribute to his predecessor Simon Woolford, who stepped down as captain last week after five seasons as Raiders skipper. Woolford wants to focus on his personal form in 2006 and is intent on having his best season for the Green Machine.

?Simon?s been terrific,? Schifcofske said. ?He?s a real competitor and I know I?ll get plenty of support from him this season. With experienced players like Simon, Jason Croker and Jason Smith, we?ve got a good platform for leadership.?

Schifcofske has enjoyed his best form since joining the Raiders in 2001, winning the club?s Player of the Year award in 2001 and 2004.

?I thought about whether the captaincy would distract me, but I think the extra responsibility will make me a better player,? Schifcofske said.

Raiders coach Matt Elliott said Schifcofske was a natural leader.

?The keys are his seniority and the respect he has for his teammates and from his teammates,? Elliott said. ?He has a desire to do the job, to develop the team and the club.?

Starting with David Grant in 1982, the Raiders have had a fine tradition of captains. The list of former skippers includes Australian captains Mal Meninga and Laurie Daley.

CLINTON SCHIFCOFSKE

Nickname: Choc
DOB: 10 November, 1975, in Moranbah, Qld
Position: Fullback
Height: 183cm Weight: 91kg
Junior Club: Moranbah
Contract with Raiders: end of 2008
Representative: One State of Origin for Queensland in 2002. Australian Prime Ministers XIII in 2005.
Previous Clubs: South Queensland Crushers (1996-97); Parramatta Eels (1998-2000)
FG Debut: Crushers v Norths, April 21, 1996.

Raiders Achievements:
Games: 116 (211 career games)
Points: 898 points (1454 career points)
Raiders Player of the Year: 2001 and 2004
Most Points in a Season: 245 points in 2001