Reported in Saturday's Observer : Hall's choice as club captain is experienced prop forward Stephenson, and the coach said "David has great experience, and is good in the dressing room. He is one of the leading prop-forwards in the league and commands the respect of his team-mates. I know he will do a good job leading from the front."

Team captain will be last year's player of the season Smith. The loose forward/second rower, who also appeared as stand-off last season, was a leading light.

Hall hopes his form will continue and said: "Paul is an unassuming lad. He is well respected on the field, and will hopefully spend the majority of games out there in the middle. Like last year's captain Matt Calland he does his talking with his performances, and I am confident he can do an excellent job."