CHEV Walker was today named as the Bulls’ new captain ahead of next season’s Championship campaign.

The former Great Britain international, who made his debut for hometown club Leeds in 1999 as a 16-year-old, arrived at Odsal ahead of the 2011 campaign after spells at Headingley, Bath RUFC and Hull KR.

The 32-year-old succeeds former Rhinos team-mate Matt Diskin, who retired at the end of last season, while no vice-captain has yet been named.

Walker's appointment was announced at today's event at Odsal, where hundreds of fans collected their 1863 Members Club season-ticket packages and the Bulls' new away kit was launched.

Head coach Jimmy Lowes and his entire first-team squad were in attendance and Walker said: “I feel absolutely honoured to be in this position.

“I love to lead by example and am very excited about the prospect of leading this fantastic club into battle next season.

“To be following the likes of Matt Diskin and Robbie Hunter-Paul in leading out this famous club will be very special.

“I pride myself on being a good professional for the younger guys coming through, as they are the future of the Bradford Bulls.

“Next year, I believe, will be very special. I am fully behind the direction Jimmy is taking us in and I want to back that up on the field.

“With such a fantastic squad in place I realise my place in the team is not guaranteed.

“And with that in mind, I will be working harder than ever before to drive myself into contention.”

Bulls boss Lowes described Walker as the “ultimate professional” and said his experience would prove vital ahead of the club's debut season in the Kingstone Press Championship.

“Chev is a highly-experienced member of the squad and we are privileged to have in place as our captain,” added Lowes.

“He brings a huge amount to the team, both on and off the field, and he is a great person to have around the place.

“His vast knowledge of the game at all levels will stand him in good stead next season and he is constantly working to improve his own game.

“He takes time out to help aid our younger guys, as well as the new boys who have come in to ensure everyone becomes a part of what we are trying to achieve here.

“Selecting Chev as captain was a fairly straightforward decision for me to make. His leadership skills are second to none and he is the ultimate professional.”