Iestyn Harris was today named as the new skipper of Bradford Bulls.

The Great Britain ace has been handed the duty following the

departure of both Jamie Peacock and Robbie Paul.

Scrum half Paul Deacon will be vice-

captain and prop Stuart Fielden becomes club captain as boss Brian Noble gathers his lieutenants together for the season kick-off.

"I'm just delighted to have been handed this role," admitted Harris, who leads the champions out for the first time in the friendly at Huddersfield Giants tomorrow.

"Captaincy is something I enjoy doing and to be Bulls skipper is a great honour.

"I hope I can bring something to the side and bring some success over the next

few years. I'm looking forward to the

challenge."

Harris will take the Bulls into battle with Wests Tigers for the World Club Challenge on February 3 and has leadership experience, having skippered Leeds Rhinos aged just 21.

Now 29, the stand-off feels he is better primed for the challenge, although he knows he has hard acts to follow.

"I'm great friends with Robbie and JP," he continued. "They did fantastic jobs here. Robbie was captain for many years, with Jamie just the one, but they both left their mark on the Bulls.

"The club's got to move forward now though. There's a new chapter here and I'm happy to be the one doing that."

Harris has become increasingly influential since returning to league from Cardiff Rugby Union Club midway through 2004 and has all the hallmarks of a skipper.

Having enjoyed winning his first Grand Final in October - only his second ever

trophy - the playmaker is desperate to lead the Bulls to more silverware before his contract expires in 2008.

"Over the next three years, there's nine trophies available," said Harris.

"It's probably unrealistic to say we want to win them all as there are some great teams in this competition. But certainly winning a handful of trophies is something we're well capable of and it's my aim to finish off my career with a room full of medals."

And Harris added he has never been

happier as he prepares for the start of the new season.

"I'm enjoying my time here more than anywhere in my career over the last ten years," he said. "It's a great club to be with, a great place to play rugby and certainly any player considering moving should consider the Bulls."

Noble added: "The three people I have chosen are all natural leaders and can take the club forward.

"Iestyn proved last year, during the

difficult first part of the season, that he had leadership qualities and he will show them this year. Iestyn is the captain but we have several players within the squad who can all lead by example. I'm expecting them all to do that."