Graham named England skipper

St Helens prop James Graham has taken over the England captaincy for the Four Nations after Adrian Morley was ruled out of the tournament with a bicep injury.

Warrington forward Morley suffered the injury early in Saturday's warm-up clash with New Zealand Maori, which finished 18-18, and Graham will now step into the breach when Steve McNamara's side open their campaign against New Zealand on Saturday.

"When Steve McNamara offered me the captaincy I had no hesitation in saying yes," said the 25-year-old. "It's a great honour and I am deeply proud that I have this chance. It came as a surprise but hopefully I can reward his judgement with some good performances on the field."

He added: "It hasn't really sunk in yet, perhaps it's one of the honours that only sink in once you've retired.

"I don't think it's going to change me as a player. Certainly, at the moment my focus isn't on being England captain, it's on winning a rugby league game against New Zealand on Saturday."

Graham, who scored a try on his international debut for Great Britain against New Zealand in 2006, edged out Wests Tigers' Gareth Ellis for the honour, and former Bradford boss McNamara was delighted to see him accept the responsibility.

"James was one of a number of outstanding candidates for the position, and I am delighted he is the new England captain," he said.

"The natural leadership skills that he shows both on the field and on the training ground make him the ideal replacement for Adrian Morley.

"Without a doubt James has been one of the most consistent and outstanding performers both in the Super League and on the international stage.

"It is those qualities plus his drive and enthusiasm that will make James a very good and successful captain of the England rugby league team."