Robbie Hart has been reappointed as captain of the State Northern Knights for the 2002/03 season. This will be the sixth consecutive season that Hart has been appointed to the role.

Chief executive officer John Turkington remarked: "Robbie is now an experienced leader with a proven track record at the highest level. He brings a wealth of experience to the role. We acknowledge that as Robbie is the incumbent TelstraClear Black Caps wicket-keeper we will need to appoint a vice-captain in due course to cover when he is absent."

Hart made his first-class debut in the 1992/93 season and has played 83 first-class games. He has scored 2338 runs at 23.14 while taking 224 catches and claiming 15 stumpings.

Last season he was selected for New Zealand on the retirement of Adam Parore. He showed the fighting qualities for which he has become renowned to play vital innings in both of the Test matches against the West Indies.

© Northern Districts Cricket Association