Craig Gower will lead London Broncos in his first season in Super League.

The former Kangaroo half-back, one of nine new signings for Rob Powell’s new-look squad, takes over from Rob Purdham, who retired at the end of last season.

“We’re going to have a leadership group,” said Powell.

“There’s Antonio Kaufusi, Craig Gower, Chris Bailey and Chad Randall and Craig is the one on game day to do the bits.

“He’s a champion bloke and a great leader. He’s the hardest trainer you’re going to come across. He leads by example but he’s not scared when he gets something wrong of admitting it.

“He’s been great, a breath of fresh air for this club, because we’ve probably lacked enough leaders in this group. We’ve relied on Rob Purdham and Chad Randal but this group has a lot of leaders.”

The Londoners, who have reverted to their old name after three years as Harlequins RL, kick off the new Stobart Super League against St Helens at the Twickenham Stoop.

They will be without prop Karl Temata and new signing Matt Cook, who were injured in the Broncos’ pre-season friendly against Catalan Dragons, while centre David Howell still has one game to serve of a six-match ban imposed towards the end of last season for biting.