James Graham named as Canterbury skipper

England prop James Graham has been named as skipper of the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs.

The 29-year-old joined the club from St Helens in 2012, and has played 72 NRL games for the Bulldogs, including last year’s Grand Final defeat to South Sydney.

“The Bulldogs are such a proud and great club, so I know the responsibility that I now have both on and off the field with the club,” Graham said.

“So many great players have held this role before me and to know I’m here for the next four years, I hope I can show the leadership and qualities of all of those men prior to me.

“Whilst I have been given this role, we are lucky enough to have a number of great leaders at the club and I know that both Aiden and Frank will be there alongside me, leading from the front.”

Canterbury coach Des Hasler is delighted that Graham has become the first Briton to captain the club.

“James is a professional athlete who has shown a number of leadership qualities since arriving here at the club,” he said.

“He leads from the front on the field and is a man that is continuing to look at different ways to improve his game.

“He is a mentor amongst the playing group and being a seasoned campaigner, he has the knowledge across all aspects of the game to help the club continue to move forward.”

Frank Prichard and Aiden Tolman have been named as vice-captains. Trent Hodkinson has not been appointed to any leadership roles, fuelling speculation that he is to leave the Bulldogs soon.