Leeds Rhinos loose forward Stevie Ward has been named as the club's new captain ahead of the 2020 Betfred Super League season.
The Leeds-born 26-year-old succeeds Trent Merrin and will lead the team for the first time on Boxing Day in the Wetherby Whaler Festive Challenge against Wakefield Trinity at Headingley.
"I am immensely proud to be Leeds Rhinos captain. It is something I have strived towards since I first picked up a rugby ball," said Ward, who has won two Grand Finals and the Challenge Cup with his home town club.
"All of the boys are on the same page and working for each other. There is a real energy going into the New Year. I feel like we are creating a strong new identity for the new decade."
