Salford Red Devils confirm new captain for 2023 season
Photo: Paul Currie/SWpix
Kallum Watkins has been appointed as the new captain of Salford Red Devils ahead of the 2023 Super League campaign.
Watkins, 31, has been appointed following the off-season departure of Elijah Taylor, who has joined Featherstone for the 2023 Championship campaign.
The England international returned from a long-term knee injury earlier last season and went on to enjoy an impressive season, moving into the back-row.
He has made a total of 30 appearances for the Red Devils to date.
Brodie Croft and Marc Sneyd will continue their roles as vice-captains.
Kallum Watkins new Salford Red Devils captain
Watkins said: “It’s a massive honour and I’m truly grateful to the coaching staff, the team and the club for giving me this opportunity to be captain. It’s something I’ll take with both hands.
“For me, it’s just about being myself. I’ve got the opportunity to lead the team and now I’ve got to lead by my actions and get the team where they need to be.”
Head coach Paul Rowley commented: “Choosing the right man to lead our team in 2023 was a process that proved fulfilling and enjoyable.
“Over the last 12 months, our players have developed and matured to the point where we were encouraged to have several options to choose from.
“Our vice-captains will remain the same, as both were fantastic on and off the field last year – and if it’s not broken, then I won’t try to fix it.
“The privilege of leading our group has been given to Kallum Watkins, who is quite simply everything you would want from a leader.
“He drives standards and is held in the upmost respect by his teammates and all our staff. It was a privilege to inform Kal and I’m looking forward to seeing him lead out the team.”
Watkins will wear shirt number three for the 2023 campaign.
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