The NRMA Insurance Western Sydney Wanderers have today announced defender Robbie Cornthwaite as the club’s new captain at their annual Gold Star Luncheon.

After joining the Red & Black in July 2016, the towering centre-back soon developed into an important part of the Wanderers defence, going on to make 21 appearances across all competitions last season.

The 31-year-old also netted a double, his first goals for the club, in Round 25 against Newcastle Jets.

A fan-favourite both on and off the field, Cornthwaite will become the fourth captain in the club’s history following Michael Beauchamp, Nikolai Topor-Stanley and Dimas Delgado.

Cornthwaite said it is an honour for him to be donning the armband for the Wanderers in season 2017/18.

"Obviously, the overwhelming feeling is pride," said Cornthwaite.

"I'm very proud and very honoured to be given the opportunity to lead such a wonderful and very successful club.

“It’s not a job I take lightly and I’m really looking forward to the challenges but also helping to do whatever I can to make everyone better and hopefully have a very successful season.”

Cornthwaite said his top priority as captain is to bring more silverware to the club.

“All the great players that have played for Western Sydney, all the captains they’ve had, no one’s been able to lift that A-League trophy.

“To be the first would be amazing and to have the team and coaching staff that I have standing behind me would be a dream come true.”