LIONS APPOINT NEW SKIPPERS!
08 January 2024
ALAN KILSHAW NAMES NEW CAPTAINS AND PLAYERS’ LEADERSHIP GROUP
Swinton Lions Head Coach Alan Kilshaw has named joint captains for the 2024 season, with Mitch Cox and Rhys Williams taking on the prestigious role.
The Lions have also named a core leaders group, made up of five players who all bring different leadership qualities to the team. These core leaders will be Jordan Gibson, Dan Abram, Richard Lepori, Lewis Hall and Cole Oakley.
Alan Kilshaw explained, “It’s important for me to have a core leaders group, and with our two captains Mitch and Rhys leading it, then we are well represented. Rhys has a lot of experience at this and higher levels and leads by example on and off the field. Mitch has been at the club a while now and is well respected in the group. He communicates well and plays tough on the field. Supporting those two will be the rest of the leaders group are all players who set good standards. We also felt it was imperative we had the younger players represented in the group of leaders so Cole was a good choice to fill that role.”
The Head Coach added, “We have some natural leaders in the team and there is some players who positionally will organise things on the field. We wanted a good balance for the core leaders group, whilst for some players we want them to have more of a focus on their own personal role without the extra responsibility. We are developing an environment where everyone will contribute within the team whether they are the captains, core leaders, or other squad members, but it’s equally important to have a group who can drive standards and also collaborate with myself and the coaching staff to maintain those standards and encourage enjoyment in the group.”
Joint Captain, Mitch Cox said, “Getting the captaincy role is a real honour for me. It’s my fifth season at the club so it really does feel like home at Swinton. Everyone who has been at the club for the time I’ve been here will know what getting this role means to me. I will give my everything as captain for my team mates, staff and fans.”
Our other joint Captain, Rhys Williams added, “I’m really enjoying my time so far at the club and I’m very proud to have been named joint captain with Mitch. I aim to lead with my actions and be as solid as I can first and foremost and then the leadership stuff will come naturally off the back of it. We have a great group who have all been willing to work for each other so far.”
