He was the inspirational leader throughout a challenging 2019 and now Cameron McInnes has been named the official on-field leader of the St George Illawarra Dragons.
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With Gareth Widdop departing for Warrington in the English Super League, McInnes will captain the Dragons in 2020.
At just 25-years-of-age, the hooker is the second youngest player to captain the joint venture and he said it's a privilege to be selected to lead the team.
"It's a huge honour to be named captain of the St George Illawarra Dragons," McInnes said. "It was an unbelievable feeling when I was told I would be the captain.
"This club has a great fan base and following so to be their captain is a huge responsibility. I'm focused and plan on upholding the club's legacy and doing everyone proud.
"It's a challenge I'm looking forward to. There's plenty of great people at this club who will help me along the way, which is great as I have plenty of learning and growth as a player to come."
McInnes arrived at the Dragons in 2017, having played the first three years of his career with the South Sydney Rabbitohs.
He has missed just one match for the club in that time, last year's round 25 clash with the Gold Coast Titans after he suffered a broken leg the previous week.
A member of the leadership group and stand-in captain during the past two seasons, McInnes is highly regarded by his teammates.
The hooker was a rare bright spot throughout a disastrous 2019 and he regularly drew praise from those within the club for his effort and high standards.
St George Illawarra coach Paul McGregor said the 112-game star is the right man to lead the team back to the NRL finals.
"Cameron demonstrates, drives and reinforces what is acceptable and not acceptable in our club's behaviour and standards," McGregor said. "His ability to play through pain and fatigue is as good as anyone I have coached.
"Cameron plays with passion, he's gritty and he's a trustworthy liaison between the staff and players. He's been our most consistent player over the past three years which was really important when it came to deciding the leader of the club."