FORMER Latchford Albion junior Kallum Watkins has been named as the new captain of Leeds Rhinos.

The England international centre replaces the departed Danny McGuire as skipper at Headingley and looks set to lead the side out for the first time against The Wire in the opening game of the 2018 Super League season on Thursday, February 1.

Watkins, 26, started his career with Albion before moving to Leeds while still in school, joining the Rhinos in 2007.

He has since made 224 appearances for the defending Super League champions and is a regular in the England side.

“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 told Leeds’ official website.

“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.”

Watkins will have two former Wire players under his charge in 2018, with Richie Myler and Brad Dwyer having joined the Rhinos in the off-season.