Kirmond urged to ‘enjoy’ playing in 2019 as Wakefield switch captaincy to Miller

WAKEFIELD TRINITY coach Chris Chester hopes Jacob Miller taking over as captain will help his predecessor Danny Kirmond concentrate on purely “enjoying” a big year in 2019.

Australian stand-off Miller, 26, takes the reins after filling in admirably when the experienced back-row was injured last term.

Former Huddersfield Giants player Kirmond, 33, had been captain for six-and-a-half years, leading the club through some troubled times including an administration and Million Pound Game.

He was sidelined by knee surgery in July but is fit again ahead of the new campaign and could feature in the Boxing Day friendly at Leeds Rhinos while his testimonial game is against Hull FC in January.

On the decision to switch captains, Chester said: “We just feel it’s a natural progression for Milky (Miller). He took on the role really well last season when Kirmo was injured.

“But also this is the final year of Kirmo’s contract – it could be his final year playing rugby league – and we just want him to enjoy it more than anything.

“We don’t want him to have to worry about anything else.

“He’s pretty much the guy I go to and the players go to so we’re trying to give Milky a bit more responsibility and ease the workload on Kirmo.

“Kirmo is still going to be club captain but the two guys Milky and Danny Brough – who will be vice-captain – are the guys who are going to get us around the park.”

Brough has re-joined from Huddersfield with Kirmond, ironically, having been part of the deal that took the Scotland captain to Giants in 2012 with him going the other way.

Chester added: “Broughy’s captained Huddersfield for many years and I’m sure he’ll really help Milky develop in the role.

“I’ve seen a lot of leadership qualities in Milky, certainly over the last two years.

“He leads by example with his actions on the field but he’s not afraid to voice his opinion either.”