Josh Jackson was almost brought to tears after Canterbury announced he would be the club’s captain for the 2018 NRL season.
New coach Dean Pay unveiled Jackson’s ascent to Bulldogs leader at a family dinner on Wednesday night on the NSW central coast.
“Obviously, it’s very emotional,” Jackson said.
“It’s a great honour and I’m extremely proud to accept it.
“It’s a big shock. I wasn’t told beforehand but, like I said, extremely honoured to be named captain of this great club.”
Jackson replaced James Graham as the Bulldogs’ leader, after the English prop was released to St George Illawarra during an off-season in which coach Des Hasler was also sacked.
The Bulldogs have a task on their hands under Pay and Jackson to return to the finals, after they missed the top eight last season for the first time since 2011.
A consistent performer in the NSW State of Origin back row, Jackson debuted in 2012 for the Bulldogs, going on to play 133 games for the club.
“It’s got a great history, this club,” Jackson said.
“It’s very successful; I know it’s got a great responsibility. I’ll do whatever we can to make sure it keeps being successful.
“Some of the people who have captained previously, Andrew Ryan was one of my idols growing up – he was a great captain of the club.
“To be named alongside guys like that, it’s extremely emotional and a great privilege.”
Pay said he had endorsed Jackson after spending the opening months of the pre-season alongside the 27-year-old.
“When I was looking from the outside in, I really admired this guy for the way he went about his business,” Pay said.
“He’s a hard-working kid, he’s humble, he puts his teammates first and I’ve got to know him really well over the past two or three months and nothing has changed my opinion of him.
“He is a true leader. He doesn’t say all that much but he shows it in his actions.”