Stevie Ward named new Leeds captain
Leeds have named loose forward Stevie Ward as the club’s new captain.
Ward, 26, succeeds Trent Merrin, who recently left the club to return to the NRL.
He said: “I am immensely proud to be Leeds Rhinos captain. It is something I have strived towards since I first picked up a rugby ball and it has not always been easy but I’ve had some remarkable people to learn from along the way to help me achieve it.
“I am excited about 2020. All of the boys are on the same page and working for each other. There is a real energy going into the New Year.”
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Ward, who won two Grand Finals with the Rhinos in 2012 and 2017, has made 135 appearances since making his debut at the age of 18.
Coach Richard Agar said: “Stevie thoroughly deserves this accolade and I know he will do an outstanding job.
“Last year when we looked to re-establish our standards, Stevie was one of the key members of the group and instrumental in forging our future.
“He has shown great maturity in recent years in how he has dealt with adversity.
“We saw at the end of last season, the impact he had on our team on the field and I am looking forward to seeing him lead the side out on Boxing Day morning.”
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