Galea named as Rovers skipper

Ben Galea has been named as the new Hull KR captain for the 2012 season. 

No official statement has been made by the club but the Australian said on Twitter last night: “Just been announced captain of Hull KR for 2012 very proud and honoured to lead this great club.” 

Galea takes over the role from fellow Australian Mick Vella, who retired at the end of the 2011 season. Vella played for KR from 2007 before taking his retirement from the game at the age of 33. 

Galea, also 33, is in the last year of his contract with Rovers – having signed a one-year extension in July. He hinted that he may retire last Feburary, saying that the 2011 season could be his last but told the BBC: “If I think I’ve got another good season in me, then I’ll play on.”

The second row forward signed for Rovers in 2009 after making 151 appearances for NRL club Wests Tigers, including their 2005 Grand Final win over North Queensland Cowboys, and was named in the Super League dream team of 2009 following his first season at Hull KR.