Parramatta halfback Chris Sandow has completed a remarkable career revival with selection as captain by Eels coach Brad Arthur for the Dick Smith NRL Auckland Nines starting Saturday, January 31.
Sandow spent the first three weeks of the 2014 season in reserve grade but eventually won the trust of Arthur to deliver some scintillating football through the middle of the season, that trust now extended to captaining the club in Auckland.
Off contract at the end of the 2015 season, Sandow said he is excited to lead a team that also includes Will Hopoate, Semi Radradra and big boppers in Junior Paulo, Kenny Edwards and Pauli Pauli.
"I am overwhelmed actually," Sandow told Eels TV of the captaincy.
"When Brad Arthur told me I felt some mixed emotions, but it’s a big honour.
"I know it is only a small thing, the Auckland Nines, but to be captain and lead the boys out will be an absolute pleasure."
Sandow is looking forward to the opportunity to return to the exciting two-day tournament fixture and the new Nines captain is quietly confident about the Eels' chances.
"The tournament is a real good brand of footy which is good for me. I like to play that brand of footy and I think we have a better strike than we did last year," said Sandow.
"We went well last year but we have a real different squad this year and I am excited and things are looking really good."
Click here to see Sandow talk about the honour
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