Andy Lynch has today been installed as the new Bulls captain.

The prop’s appointment ends months of speculation following former skipper Paul Deacon’s departure to Wigan.

High-profile Aussie arrival Matt Orford had been widely regarded as favourite for the role, while Jamie Langley and Steve Menzies were both strong contenders.

But Lynch steps up to take the job full-time after filling in last season when Deacon and vice-captain Glenn Morrison were injured.

It was an obvious choice for head coach Steve McNamara, who has appointed Langley as deputy after Morrison also left the club to join Wakefield.

McNamara said: “Andy epitomises everything we are about. He’s highly respected by everybody within our organisation and highly respected by every opponent in the competition as well.

“The last three or four years he’s been a model of consistency and a great example for everyone to follow.

“Jamie Langley will be vice-captain and he’s been exactly the same in terms of consistency on and off the field.

“I’m really happy with them and I’ve got another couple of senior blokes in Matt Orford and Steve Menzies who will take responsibility in leadership this year.

“You have some very vocal players and then you have your strong players who go out there and do the business and get it done.

“Andy has the second bit in abundance but when he speaks, he speaks with authority.”

The news came as a major surprise to the unassuming Lynch, who has spent five seasons at Odsal since arriving from Castleford Tigers.

“I’m shocked that Macca picked me over Ox (Orford), Langers (Langley) and Beaver (Menzies).

“It’s a privilege to do it, I’m really pleased to work under Macca and be captain of Bradford Bulls.

“I don’t think my role will change too much, it never will do. I still have to take us forward and be solid in defence and talk when I’ve got to talk.

“It’s what I do and it’s what I’ve done since I came to the club.”

Lynch takes up the captaincy at the same time as he starts a new three-year deal.

But the 30-year-old England international insists he does not feel any extra burden of expectation, particularly as the Bulls are loaded with experienced leaders.

“With Beaver, Langers and Ox, they’re all senior players and they’ll all have their input,” said Lynch.

“So if we can all go out as captains, not just the four senior players but every person, it’ll be a big bonus for us.”