Tuesday 16 January 2018 12:59, UK
Leeds Rhinos have named Kallum Watkins as their captain for the new season.
Watkins replaces Danny McGuire, who left Headingley following the Rhinos' eighth Grand Final win in order to join newly-promoted Hull KR.
The centre has made over 220 appearances since making his debut as a teenager in the 2008 season and has played in Leeds' last three Grand Final successes, kicking three goals as they beat Castleford 24-6 at Old Trafford in October.
McGuire, 26, believes leading his side will make him a better player and leader.
"It is a massive honour for me and a real privilege for me to be captain of this team and for this great club," he told the club's official website.
"I am truly honoured having been here for 10 years. I have learned from the best and I have gained a lot of experience from the big games I have been involved in.
"Having played alongside people who lead from the front like Kevin Sinfield, Jamie Peacock, Danny McGuire, Jamie Jones-Buchanan and Rob Burrow to name just a few, I have learned and developed as a man and a player.
"Being a leader was probably not something that came to me naturally initially, but it is something I have grown into and now relish.
"I feel I have earned that by being myself. I think being captain will make me stronger."
Rhinos' head coach Brian McDermott is also convinced Watkins is right for the role, having been guided by previous skippers Kevin Sinfield and Danny McGuire.
"The captaincy of this great club is a big task," he said.
"When you look across our group, whilst there are those who have leadership qualities, Kallum is a fantastic candidate who has stood up to be counted over the last eighteen months and was an obvious choice for 2018.
"When I told the group that Kallum would be our new captain, the squad were really happy and confident that Kallum will get the job done.
"The Leeds captaincy is not an issue many Leeds coaches have had to deal with down the years because of the long and outstanding leadership that Kevin Sinfield provided us with.
"His record speaks for itself but I would also pay tribute to the job Danny McGuire did in the last two years.
"Being the next captain after Kevin was always going to be a sizeable task but Danny handled it magnificently on all occasions.
"Kallum has emerged under those two inspirational leaders and he showed his best with things were at their hardest.
"That is why I had no hesitation in making him our captain for 2018 and I know he will lead our team with distinction."
Leeds begin the defence of their Super League title away to Warrington Wolves on February 1. Coverage begins on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Arena at 7pm.
