Halfback Daly Cherry-Evans will lead the Sea Eagles for the first time after coach Geoff Toovey named the 2013 Clive Churchill medalist as captain for the Auckland Nines.
As one of the experienced campaigners, having steered the Sea Eagles to a premiership and last year's grand final, the leadership role will certainly sit well with the 24-year-old.
Cherry-Evans will skipper a young team eager for Nines glory in its first year. Steve Menzies will no doubt play a guidance role, with Cherry-Evans to direct the side both as their dominant playmaker and captain.
The Sea Eagles will play the Cowboys first up before meeting the Warriors on late Saturday afternoon. They will then play the Raiders on Sunday in hope of reaching the finals.
