He might have called time on his NRL career more than eight years ago but 44-year Ruben Wiki will lead the Warriors at next weekend's Auckland Nines.
New coach Stephen Kearney has named an 18-man squad for the two-day event, including roster elite Shaun Johnson, Ryan Hoffman, Solomone Kata and Tuimoala Lolohea.
However big-name omissions include regular NRL stars Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Issac Luke, Simon Mannering, Manu Vatuvei and the yet-to-be-registered Kieran Foran.
Seven players have yet to make their NRL debut, however Kearney says it is a reward for strong work during the pre-season.
Former Kiwi captain Wiki will skipper a side containing a handful of players who hadn't been born when he was starring in the 1990s for Canberra.
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"I'm still buzzing about having the chance to play the Nines and now being asked to be captain as well takes it to another level," said Wiki.
"It was humbling to be selected in the first place. To be leading the boys at Eden Park will be one of the highlights of my career."
Kearney said it was an easy decision to name him captain.
"He's a leader whatever he does and has so much mana," he said.
The side also includes 18-year-olds Lewis Soosemea and Isaiah Papalii who featured in the club's NYC side last season and three others who are aged under 20.
"We've rewarded a lot of younger players for the way they've trained throughout the off-season," Kearney said.
The Warriors are in the same pool as Manly, Parramatta and St George Illawarra for the February 4-5 tournament.
Warriors: Ryan Hoffman, Junior Pauga, Matt Allwood, Blake Ayshford, Ata Hingano, Solomone Kata, Shaun Johnson, Ruben Wiki (capt), Mason Lino, Bunty Afoa, James Gavet, Tuimoala Lolohea, Jazz Tevaga, Ofahiki Ogden, Lewis Soosemea, Toafofoa Sipley, Isaiah Papalii, James Bell.
