Bradford Bulls appoint Andy Lynch as skipper ahead of Ox and Beaver

Updated: 05:12 EST, 3 February 2010

Bradford Bulls have appointed prop forward Andy Lynch as captain for 2010.

The 30-year-old Lynch, who joined the Bulls from Castleford five years ago, succeeds Paul Deacon, who has joined his home-town club Wigan, after getting the vote of coach Steve McNamara ahead of Jamie Langley and veteran overseas duo Matt Orford and Steve Menzies.

Langley, the club's longest-serving player who is currently in his testimonial year, has been made vice-captain.

'I was shocked when Steve McNamara picked me to be skipper ahead of Ox, Langers and Beaver (Menzies),' said Lynch. 'It's a privilege to do it and a great honour for me personally.

'Beaver, Langers and Ox are all senior players and they'll all have their input as well so if we can all go out as captains, not just the four senior players but every person in the squad, then it'll be a big bonus for us.'

McNamara said: 'Andy epitomises everything we are about at the Bulls. He's highly respected by everybody within our organisation and highly respected by every opponent in the competition as well.

'In the last three or four years he's been a model of consistency and a great example for everyone to follow.

'Jamie Langley will be vice-captain and he's been exactly the same in terms of consistency on and off the field.'