Ranger has been the star of the backline since he burst on to the scene as a teenager and has steadfastly refused offers to play for other regions.
"My actions on the field speak for themselves. I don't think I'll change how I play at all. I'll just try and be more of a leader on the field to the boys," he said.
Detractors may question the selection of Ranger by team management, but coach Adriaan Ferris expected the Wellsford man to rise to the occasion.
"This appointment is a huge honour for Rene. You only have to look at the type of captains we've had in the past, like Sid Going, Glen Taylor, Richard Hilton-Jones and Gus Collins to know that the bar has been set high, so Rene and Bryce have got big boots to fill," he said.
It is just this sort of comparison that is likely to upset some Northland stalwarts.
Ranger's popularity with the fans is second to none but in the past that hasn't bestowed the right of captaincy. Rather it seems that team management are launching an attempt, some might say a desperate one, to get Ranger back on the straight and narrow.
"It's certainly not a decision that we made lightly, but it's a challenge for them to step up and to see if they can lead and not only that, to become better people in the process," he said, referring to both the co-captains.
Ferris said Ranger was a passionate Northlander and a capable leader in some areas and he expects him to develop his leadership as the season progresses.
"Deep down, he's a great person and he's got plenty to offer ... we felt that because he was proven innocent [in court] he deserves the opportunity to prove himself," Ferris said.
There are no doubts about the experienced Williams as a choice for the captaincy.
The Kamo player returned to play for his native Northland last season after a long professional career in France and was a valued member of the leadership group last year.
"He's a proud Northland man and a really good bloke and it's great to be on board with him as a co-captain," Ranger said.
"We haven't sat down yet and decided how we'll share the captain's role, we might toss the coin before the game to see who'll be captain if we're both playing," Ranger joked.
Ranger didn't play in the final warm-up match against Auckland on Thursday after he was required at his trial verdict but he watched the match and was pleased with what he saw.
"The boys showed how willing they are to play, even though it was a preseason game. There are a few old heads in the side, along with a few new faces, so I think they're coming along quite good together," he said.
He is to get the season started because he feels he has plenty to prove.
"Last season, I got an injury to my kidney, which kept me sidelined and I was gutted I couldn't finish off the rest of my season, so I'm pretty fresh now and I'm looking forward to it and hopefully we can get the Taniwha into the championship final," Ranger said.
The season starts with an away trip to take on Otago in Dunedin on Saturday.
