Widnes Vikings v Huddersfield Giants: Leroy Cudjoe first among leaders for Giants

WARMING UP: Huddersfield Giants' Ukuma Ta'ai, left, Leroy Cudjoe and Jermaine McGillvary trying to keep warm at the club's press day last month. Picture: Bruce Rollinson

England star Leroy Cudjoe is, of course, their new captain for 2017 but head coach Rick Stone has surrounded the club’s long-serving centre with three other experienced vice-captains.

Danny Brough led the team to the 2013 League Leaders’ Shield and is the current Scotland captain, former Melbourne Storm star Ryan Hinchcliffe was in charge last term and Michael Lawrence has played more than 200 games for the Fartowners.

Granted, Cudjoe may not be the most obvious choice of captain – the 28-year-old suffers with a stammer – but has all the attributes needed to inspire them as they bid to put last season’s wooden spoon woe behind them.

Huddersfield Giants' head coach, Rick Stone. Picture: Bruce Rollinson

“I just want to be able to lead by example wether that’s on the field or off it,” he said.

“I want to be someone who can help lead with actions and help drive others which is something I’d like to think I have been doing for the last few years so nothing major will change now I’ve been given the captaincy.

“But I’ve never done it before so it is a massive honour and a proud moment for me and my family.

“Broughy, Hinchy, Bruno (Lawrence) and myself our are main leadership group that help support each other to create a good culture at the club and help to keep standards to a high level.

“We are all there to help one another, team-mates and are a voice for the team.”

Hinchcliffe took over from Brough early last season, handed the armband by then coach Paul Anderson not long after making his debut following the Australian’s switch from the NRL.

Cudjoe says the loose-forward has had no issue with Stone’s subsequent decision and added: “Hinchy’s been great and supportive. His role within the team won’t change; he’s one of our most experienced players, has high standards for everyone and he’s always there to help anyone.”

On Widnes, he added: “It’ll be tough; they’re a good side that really test you across the park.

“We’ll be ready for that but are more focused on the things we need to bring like the energy and resolve shown in defence in last week’s friendly at Warrington.”