2026 Leadership named
17/01/2026
We are pleased to confirm our Captain, Vice-Captains and Extended leadership Group for the upcoming 2026 Betfred Championship campaign.
Second-rower Joel Farrell will once again lead the Eagles as captain in 2026, having been appointed ahead of last season following the retirement of Anthony Thackeray. Entering his eighth season with the club, Joel’s experience and leadership will again be central as the Eagles embark on a new campaign this year. He will be proudly sponsored this season by CM Alloys and Daniel Crofts for the upcoming season.
Supporting Farrell as vice-captains are Matty Marsh and new signing George Griffin. Marsh, who took on the role prior to the start of last season, continues in a leadership capacity, while Griffin adds significant experience to the group. Griffin has made well over 200 Betfred Super League appearances during spells with Salford Red Devils and Castleford Tigers, bringing proven top-level pedigree to the squad. Marsh will once again be sponsored by Premier Kia and Liz Elfleet in 2026, while Griffin will be sponsored by MF Hire and Charlie Denniff respectively.
Head Coach Craig Lingard has also introduced an Extended Leadership Group for 2026, designed to further support the captain and vice-captains throughout the season.
New signing Jordan Lilley has been included following his off-season move from Bradford Bulls. The Eagles’ new halfback previously held a leadership role at Bradford and will look to draw on that experience to benefit the squad. He is joined by long-serving Connor Bower, who enters his seventh season with the club and is another individual who brings valuable experience to the squad, having first represented the Eagles back in 2020.
In 2026, Jordan will be sponsored by MNA Group and 39 Steps, while Connor will be sponsored by The Eagles Foundation and Ian & Jackie Swain.
We would like to congratulate Joel, Matty, George, Jordan and Connor on their appointments ahead of the start of the 2026 season, which gets underway tomorrow afternoon when the Eagles take on Whitehaven R.L.F.C at The Ortus Rec (3pm KO).
