Matt Diskin has spoken of his pride after retaining the Bulls’ captaincy for the 2014 campaign and vowed to help the club through its current crisis.

The 31-year-old hooker, who won four Super League titles during his long spell at Leeds, has served as joint-skipper alongside Heath L’Estrange during the past two seasons.

Following L’Estrange’s decision to move home to Australia, coach Francis Cummins has handed the captain’s responsibilities solely to Diskin.

Diskin joined Bradford from Leeds ahead of the 2011 campaign and signed a one-year contract extension earlier this year which keeps him at the club for what is expected to be his last season before retiring.

He said: “I’m very proud to continue as captain and be the leader of a group of people who are very grounded and humble in how they go about their work.

“There has never been a point in my eyes where it has been in doubt but I’m delighted to carry on in the role that has been bestowed on me.

“We’ve got some very talented young players coming through the ranks and part of my responsibility is helping to guide them along the way.

“Another part of my responsibility is leading the senior group, which me and the younger lads can tap into as we look to breed a really good work ethic to bring back success to the club and to the city.”

The appointment of Diskin comes against a backdrop of huge uncertainty surrounding the Bulls’ future as the club battles to make massive savings.

Diskin confirmed a number of proposals have been made to Cummins’ squad, including them taking a pay cut, and talks are ongoing with players’ union League 13.

It has also been confirmed that a number of cutbacks have been made in non-playing departments of the club.

Diskin, a prominent figure during the Bulls’ financial troubles in 2012, added: “We’ve been asked to take a wage cut and the players have debated that – but the club is in a predicament for reasons unbeknown to anybody else apart from the top level.

“We can’t control that. It’s not a fantastic situation to be in and it’s not great how things have been dealt with.

“We have been communicated with and we have been kept in the loop, which is appreciated, but it doesn’t change the situation and it’s pretty clear that we have to cut this money from somewhere.

“My role doesn’t change and it is the same as last year and the one before.

“You have to remain calm and composed and somehow convey the messages from the players to the board and back again.”

Cummins, who is expected to appoint a vice-captain, said: “We’ve got some really good leaders in Brett Kearney, Chev Walker, Garreth Carvell and Nick Scruton.

“But Disko is the one that really stands out. I’m not guaranteeing he will play every week but he’s the leader of this group and is a fantastic influence on the environment.”

* Bradford Bulls are collecting bedding and clothing to be distributed to a number of Bradford charities as part of its BELONG initiative, which aims to give something back to the community.

Items can be dropped off at the club shop until Thursday, December 19.