KEIGHLEY Cougars have named Kyle Kesik as their new captain for the 2020 rugby league season.

The hooker is a new recruit at Cougar Park, having signed from fellow League One side Doncaster in the close season.

The 30-year-old certainly brings some experience of the second and third tier, having spent a decade at the South Yorkshire outfit.

His first competitive outing as Keighley captain should come in Cougars' Challenge Cup Third Round clash at home to Newcastle Thunder this Sunday.

Kesik's right hand man will be stand-off Benn Hardcastle, who stands down from the captaincy role that he assumed in 2019.

New vice-captain Hardcastle is well versed to life at Cougar Park, having joined ahead of the 2018 season from Newcastle Thunder.

Despite watching the club on its knees due to two major financial crises, Hardcastle stuck by Cougars, and has delivered impressive stats and leadership throughout.

His efforts in 2018 were particularly impressive. He scored 130 goals and six tries, earning eight man of the match awards.

Last year was not as successful, partly due to a poorer squad and Hardcastle's own injury problems, but he still delivered seven tries and 58 goals, as Cougars picked up eight wins and a draw from their 20 league games.

The pair's roles were announced by Keighley head coach Rhys Lovegrove at a Player and Shirt Sponsors event on Saturday night.