LEEDS Rhinos have named Kallum Watkins as their new captain.

The centre replaces Danny McGuire, who left the club following the Rhinos' eighth Grand Final win to join newly-promoted Hull KR.

Watkins has racked up 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 at Old Trafford in October.

The 26-year-old believes wearing the captain's armband 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 said.

"I am truly honoured, having been here for ten 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. For me to be successful, I have to be playing at my best and I believe being captain of this great team gives me that opportunity."