Graham is aiming to be loud in both word and deed

St Helens' James Graham, 25, was yesterday handed the honour which is fast resembling a poisoned chalice, Jamie Peacock being crocked before the tourists departed and stand-in Adrian Morley lasting just 10 minutes of their warm-up match against New Zealand Maori.

Losing not only their two natural leaders but also their two front-line props, both genuinely admired and respected in Australia, has certainly left England missing personnel of vast experience and ability ahead of Saturday's tournament opener against the Kiwis.

However, in quickly assessing those considered worthy of filling the vacant leadership role, McNamara will equally as swiftly have been reminded of the true quality that remains at his disposal.

In Gareth Ellis and Sam Burgess he ignored the claims of two Yorkshiremen who could quite easily have carried the responsibility and would not have looked out of place.

Like Morley before them, this formidable second-row pair have already been shown reverence by champions Australia – who yesterday saw Jarryd Hayne ruled out of their own plans with a hamstring injury – given their stellar performances in the NRL and on the international stage.

Ellis, now 29, has matured into possibly the finest second-row in the world since leaving Leeds for Wests Tigers in 2008 and, while not being the most vocal, would have proved an inspirational captain by his deeds alone.

Burgess, meanwhile, is still only 21 and has no senior leadership experience but had been mentioned by McNamara as a future captain of England. No one would have expected it this soon but he would have relished – and handled – the role.

Having bullied New Zealand as a fearless 18-year-old international debutant, and then burned the Aussies the first time he met them last season, the thunderous forward has excelled since leaving Bradford for South Sydney and, like Ellis, would walk into any Kangaroos squad.

McNamara has also opted against making Sean O'Loughlin his captain, the man who has, to all intents and purposes, just led Wigan to their first Super League title in 12 years.

Warriors chief Michael Maguire may have adopted a five-man leadership group at the DW Stadium, often swapping his matchday captain, but it was a sign of O'Loughlin's immense contribution and inspirational qualities that he actually lifted the trophy when they overcame Saints in Manchester.

The fiercely determined loose forward was widely tipped to follow in the footsteps of his brother-in-law – the great Andy Farrell – and lead his country into battle against New Zealand this weekend.

They have all been passed over though, perhaps surprisingly, for Graham, the marauding, flame-haired prop who is undoubtedly another of the world's top forwards but who has never captained his club St Helens and can, at times, be particularly hot-headed.

However, he does have experience of leading a team and, as England search for their first major success in Australia since 1970, it is a notable one.

Graham was captain of the England Academy team that completed a historic series victory over the Australian Schoolboys on their own turf in 2004, featuring alongside current tourist Joel Tomkins against a side that included the world's current top player Greg Inglis.

The aggressive front-row – Man of Steel two years ago – will need no encouragement to take the battle to New Zealand and Australia in the coming weeks and he is renowned for being one of the loudest communicators on the pitch, something which will hold him in good stead.

"When you talk as much as I do both on the field and in the dressing room people often have little choice but to listen," he said.

"I'd like to think that some of the stuff I say will have a positive influence on those around me, especially the younger players who haven't played at international level before.

"At the moment my focus isn't on being England captain, it's on winning a rugby league game against the Kiwis on Saturday so it hasn't really sunk in yet.

"Perhaps it's one of the honours that only sink in once you've retired. It's a great honour and I'm deeply proud I have this chance.

"In a perfect world I'd love to be out there on Saturday playing alongside JP and Moz but I can't do anything about that.

"When Steve McNamara offered me the captaincy I had no hesitation in saying yes. It came as a surprise but hopefully I can reward his judgment with some good performances on the field."

McNamara commented: "James was one of a number of outstanding candidates.

"The natural leadership skills he shows on the field and on the training ground make him the ideal replacement for the unfortunate Adrian Morley.

"James has been one of the most consistent and outstanding performers both in Super League and on the international stage. It is those qualities plus his drive and enthusiasm that will make him a very good and successful captain of the England rugby league team."

And, with that pedigree of Ellis, Burgess and O'Loughlin all in support, England's task is not as onerous as some may think.