Ben Hunt has been confirmed as St George Illawarra captain, taking over from Cameron McInnes, who is out with a knee injury for the season and headed to the Sharks next year.
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As the Mercury wrote last Saturday, Hunt has become the successor, as new coach Anthony Griffin moves him back into the halfback role, after spending time at hooker under Paul McGregor.
On Friday afternoon, St George Illawarra confirmed the decision.
"Ben wanted this role for all the right reasons. His care factor for the club is extremely high and the added responsibility will be crucial to his ongoing performances," Griffin said in a statement.
"The captaincy is a fantastic opportunity at this stage of his career and is a testament to his character and Ben as a person.
"This extra accountability will push him to continue being one of the competition's best halfbacks."
The decision comes with Hunt and enigmatic five-eighth Corey Norman are under pressure to cement their positions, after an impressive 2020 campaign from Adam Clune and the rise of young talent Jayden Sullivan.
McInnes played much of last year at lock under McGregor to cater for Hunt's shift to hooker.
Hunt, a Brisbane and Queensland halfback and hooker, said he was ready to take on the role.
"It's a massive privilege to be named captain of this historic club. It is a responsibility I won't be taking lightly," Hunt said.
"The last few seasons haven't been what has come to be expected of St George Illawarra. I'm focused on leading the Dragons back to where they belong in this competition as premiership heavyweights.
"I'm blessed to be surrounded by fantastic support networks, both personally and throughout the organisation and I can't wait to repay the faith that has been shown in me with this honour."