HULL KR stand-off Travis Burns says he would be delighted to be offered the captaincy at Rovers – but admits he may not be ready for the responsibility.
Burns has emerged as a front runner to take on the armband when half-back partner Michael Dobson leaves at the end of the season, having produced some commanding performances for the Robins.
New signing Michael Weyman is also certain to be a candidate given his experience in the NRL.
Burns admits leading Rovers out on a weekly basis would be an honour, but says there would be a lot to consider should coach Craig Sandercock turn to him.
"It would be an honour to captain this great club, but next year is a long way away as far as I'm concerned and it can wait for now," he said.
"I'd have to have a think about the captaincy and if being captain would change the way I played.
"I play with my heart on my sleeve and that has got me into trouble. I wouldn't want to take the captaincy if it had a negative effect on my game."
Burns believes there are plenty of candidates in the current squad good enough to emerge as the next skipper.
But he says it is a subject the players have not discussed as yet.
"Nobody has spoken about the captaincy because Dobbo is still here and we still have a job to do this year," Burns added.
"There are other great candidates to consider. Dobbo will be hard to replace because he's a leader on and off the pitch and he's the ultimate professional.
"Josh Hodgson will play a lot for this club and I really hope he stays here because he's east Hull through and through.
"This year he has been a leader on the pitch and Kris Welham is another who is captain material.
"Whoever they put as captain will have my total support and I'll play my guts out for them."
As for his own game, Burns has been happy with how his performances have improved as the season has progressed.
But with five Super League games to go, and Wigan up next, he knows Rovers have to up their game again if they are to hold on to their top-six spot.
"I have improved lately because the first six games or so my game was hot and cold," he added.
"In the last six weeks I've been more consistent in my game. When the halves play well consistently, the team generally does too.
"I'm happy with my form, but I know there is room for improvement."
