St Helens: Jon Wilkin replaces Paul Wellens as captain

Jon Wilkin has made 270 appearances for St Helens

Super League champions St Helens have announced Jon Wilkin will replace Paul Wellens as captain.

The 31-year-old joined Saints from Hull KR in 2002, but missed last season's Grand Final with a shoulder injury.

The second-rower takes over from 34-year-old full-back Wellens who led the club to the League Leaders' Shield and Grand Final double last season.

"Paul will support Jon and will still be part of our leadership group," said head coach Keiron Cunningham.

Wilkin has previous captaincy experience, having led England in the 2012 series against the Exiles, and is looking forward to doing the job at Langtree Park.

"To follow on from Paul Wellens and Keiron Cunningham - iconic players - comes with a lot of responsibility and pride," he told the club website.

Wilkin lead the England team in 2012 when they faced an Exiles team in Huddersfield

"The exciting thing for me was that the pages of history for this club going forward are blank. They are yet to be populated with wins, trophies and images.

"So as captain, sitting alongside Keiron, moving forward I am looking forward to filling those up.

Cunningham confirmed that Wellens, who signed a new one-year deal at the end of last season, still had an important role to play.

"When I was playing we always had four or five captains on and off the field and that is no different here," he added.

"Paul is still around the playing squad and will play. He is heavily involved with the club and will around for a long time. It is good to have a player of his stature here."