Danny McGuire is 'honoured' to become Leeds Rhinos captain

McGuire has taken over from Kevin Sinfield, who held the captaincy from December, 2002 until he left Rhinos to join Yorkshire Carnegie last November.

McGuire captained Leeds in their Boxing Day defeat to Wakefield Trinity Wildcats and has stood in for Sinfield several times in recent years.

He admitted he will need to “rein-in” his temperament at times, but stressed he is only one of a number of experienced players in the side and having played under Sinfield and Jamie Peacock will stand him in good stead.

“I have done it a few times and always enjoyed it,” said the long-serving half-back, who is in America on Rhinos’ pre-season training camp.

“I’ve always had Kev as captain so I’d not thought about having that role, I only did it when Kev was injured, which was very rarely.

“It is a huge honour to be captain of such a great club, but I won’t take anything for granted and it won’t really affect how I go about things – my role in the team is almost like being a captain anyway.”

McGuire admitted he will be a different type of skipper to Sinfield. He added: “He is quite considered and I am a bit more fiery, I have to rein it in a bit.

“I am not going to change too much, but I understand I have got a responsibility. I have been around Kev and JP (Jamie Peacock) who have both led their country and we have plenty of other people with experience in the team.

“There are plenty of people to offer advice and I am looking forward to having a bit of that. Kev is a hard act to follow, but I will give it a good crack.”

Rhinos coach Brian McDermott said: “Danny been one of our true leaders in the team. He is highly respected by his team mates and the coaching staff and I know he will take a great deal of pride from captaining his home town club.”