One former Leeds Rhinos and Castleford Tigers man has been handed a new role as captain ahead of the 2025 season.
Callum McLelland is still just 25 but has had somewhat of a rollercoaster ride in rugby league with the ex-Leeds Rhinos man having crossed codes and even considered reportedly quitting the sport previously.
That came after a severe injury during his time with Leeds Rhinos and later Castleford Tigers, where he did not play a single game over the course of one-and-a-half seasons – eventually seeing his contract terminated.
That was in June of 2023 but McLelland would step down to League One and sign with Midlands Hurricanes where he has thankfully found some form and that’s now culminated in him being handed the armband.
Midlands Hurricanes have confirmed that the 25-year-old will be skipper for the 2025 season, something that is a testament to his effort in battling injuries over the years.
The League One side, coached by former Bradford Bulls coach Mark Dunning, confirmed his captaincy in a club statement.
Ex-Leeds Rhinos man handed armband after successful comeback from injury
🗣️ | We are pleased to confirm that Callum McLelland and Jon-Luke Kirby will be our Captain and Vice-Captain for the 2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣5️⃣ season!
🤝 | Ross Oakes, Jose Kenga and Matty Chrimes will also be part of our leadership group.
👉 | Read more: https://t.co/MWXSbrwWmA pic.twitter.com/HRCyp4qpBF
— Midlands Hurricanes RLFC (@HurricanesRLFC) December 22, 2024
The Hurricanes announced: “Head Coach Mark Dunning has chosen Callum McLelland to replace Matty Welham as Captain of the Midlands Hurricanes for the upcoming season. Jon-Luke Kirby will retain his position as Vice-Captain for the upcoming season.
“Ross Oakes, Jose Kenga and Matty Chrimes comprise the remainder of the 2025 leadership group.”
McLelland came through the Castleford Tigers academy before opting to cross codes to rugby union in late 2017 but that was short-lived and he would sign for Leeds Rhinos ahead of the 2019 campaign.
He played 16 times for the Headingley club across three seasons with his injury problems originating there. Despite that, he signed for his hometown club of Cas where he unfortunately failed to make a single appearance.
His move to Midlands seemed a roll of the dice but it is one that has worked with the ex-Leeds Rhinos man playing 15 times in his debut season with the club – scoring five tries and earning Coaches Player of the Year award.
Midlands head coach Mark Dunning said of the decision: “I’m really happy to announce our leadership group culminating in Jon being our Vice-Captain for the second year running and Callum being promoted to our 2025 Captain.
“We have a great group again this year which is full of natural leaders; these boys have some seniority and all bring different traits to their leadership.
“The group will continue to work hard with our sole focus on continued growth, both individually and collectively.”
“We’re sure you will join us in congratulating Callum, Jon-Luke, Ross, Jose and Matty on their appointment.”
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