Harris moving on after captaincy blow

Surprise: The decision to relieve Harris of the captaincy 'came out of the blue' to Harris
14 April 2012

Iestyn Harris put on a brave face after being relieved of the Bradford Bulls captaincy.

Bulls coach Steve McNamara has replaced the 30-year-old former Great Britain international with half-back partner Paul Deacon after just 12 months in the role.

"Obviously I'm disappointed a little bit," Harris said."Steve felt that the club was a difficult place to be around last year and there was a lot of outside pressure that came onto my shoulders which I had to deal with. He wanted me to have a pressure-free start to the year and concentrate on my game."

He added: "I've accepted it. I've got to kick on and move on now. The most important thing is to perform well and do your talking on the field and that's what I intend to do."

The 27-year-old Deacon, who is now in his ninth year at Odsal, becomes the Bulls' fourth skipper in as many years, following in the footsteps of Robbie Paul, Jamie Peacock and Harris.

"It's a bit of a surprise," Deacon said.

"Steve asked for a meeting and I didn't know what to expect. It came out of the blue.

"I can't see it changing me much at all. I'm a leader on the field any way with the position I play and the way I play. It's just that now I have a 'c' at the side of my name.

"I am up for the challenge. I can't wait to be captain and look forward to everything that goes along with it."

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