No guarantee for Bulls captain

The 31-year-old hooker was named as a joint-skipper alongside former Bull Heath L’Estrange ahead of the 2012 Super League campaign.

Now the ex-Leeds Rhinos star is relishing a third season in charge, and Bulls head coach Francis Cummins believes Diskin’s presence is priceless.

Not that Cummins – who has identified a leadership group with his Odsal squad – is giving his captain a guarantee he will play every week once the new season kick off in February.

Cummins said: “We have got some really good leaders in Brett Kearney, Chev Walker, Garreth Carvell and Nick Scruton.

“But Matt is the one that really stands out, as an overall captain.

“I am not guaranteeing he will play every week but he is the leader of this group and is a fantastic influence on the environment.”

Diskin said he was delighted to carry on as Bulls captain.

“I am extremely proud to be continuing as captain,” said Diskin. “It is great to be the leader of a group of people who are very grounded and humble in how they go about their work.

“In my eyes, there has never been a point where it has been in doubt, but I’m delighted to carry on in the role that has been bestowed on me. We have got some very talented young players coming through the ranks and part of my responsibility is helping to guide them along the way.

“Another part of my responsibility is leading the senior group, which me and the younger lads can tap into and breed a really good work ethic to bring back success to the club and to the city.”