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Rugby League

Hull KR name Vella new captain

16/11/2007

Mick Vella, Hull KR's player of the year last season, has been named as the club's new captain for the 2008 Super League season.

Vella, who arrived at Craven Park from Australian NRL side Parramatta, replaces James Webster, who led the side in their first season back in Super League in 2007.

Hull KR head coach Justin Morgan has also called on a number of the club's senior players, including Webster and new signings Ben Galea, Clint Newton and Shaun Briscoe, to assist Vella in his new position of responsibility.

"James Webster has done a fantastic job for us over the last couple of years and is still very much involved at a senior level; he has tremendous leadership skills and will complement Mick on his new role," Morgan said.

"Mick is a player with huge amounts of experience and talent, not only he is highly respected within the game, but was also wiped the board at the player of the year awards night being voted players player of the year after his first season in Super League.

"This is the highest accolade a player can receive, which demonstrates to me that he is the best man for the job.

"As a player Mick has great leadership skills and will be instrumental in leading the team to the next level."

Prop Vella, who has five caps for Australia, commented: "I'm very proud to be asked to be captain and feel it a great personal honour.

"We have a fantastic set of players that work well together and I'm looking forward to working alongside the senior players to face the challenges of next season."