Australian hooker Michael Monaghan has been appointed co-captain of English Super League club Warrington alongside England forward Ben Westwood.

The former Manly and Canberra utility will step into the role which was made vacant by Adrian Morley’s move to Salford and the retirement of Brett Hodgson and Lee Briers, who led the side in Morley’s absence

“Both are very highly respected players within our group,” said Wolves coach Tony Smith.

“They both bring something a little different to the table in terms of leadership and do it in different ways but I think they complement each other very well.

“It’s an opportunity for both of them to lead the way and share some of their experiences and wisdom within our group.

“They are going to be heavily supported by a number of other players who show great leadership.

“We are making them our club captains but it doesn’t necessarily mean that they will be our on-field captains on a weekly basis.

“We have a number of candidates who may fill that role at different stages but they are certainly seen as our two ambassadors and role models for the younger people within the club.

“They are the ones we feel best represent the qualities that we are looking for in the leadership of our crew.”