KEVIN BROWN is the new Huddersfield Giants captain.

The 26-year-old England stand-off is regarded as the natural successor to Brett Hodgson (now with Warrington).

Brown has been a key member of the Giants’ leadership group – a small team of senior players chosen by Galpharm chief Nathan Brown to help the coach and captain take important decisions – for the past two seasons.

And when Hodgson missed games, Brown regularly led out the side.

“This is a tremendous honour for me and one I was delighted to accept,” said Brown, who last season signed a five-year contract extension.

“It’s an incredibly proud moment for me and I can’t wait to lead the side in 2011.

“I’ve played under some great captains and I’ll be trying to lead by example and be as consistent as I can be.

“I’ll try and do my best for the team and be a positive influence on the players, both on and off the field.

“Hopefully, if my form is as consistent as possible, I can help the younger players along and try and be the best captain I can. There are a lot of senior players here and I’m sure they will help me by taking their share of responsibility.”

Although Brown will be club captain for the first time in Sunday’s home pre-season clash against Hull KR, he is ready to let Eorl Crabtree take the lead in what is the Giants prop’s testimonial fixture (2.30).

“I’m really looking forward to the game, it’s going to be a tough test for us because we know Hull KR are a good side,” added Brown, the Giants Player of the Year and Supporters Player of the Year in 2010.

“But it’ll be great to get a hit-out under our belts after a tough pre-season, and we’re all looking forward to putting on a really good show for Eorl. He’s been a brilliant ambassador for the club over the years and this is the chance to honour a fantastic servant for the Giants.”