MICKY Higham was “emotional and positive” when handed the chance to succeed Oliver Wilkes as Leigh Centurions skipper for the new season.

The former Great Britain international, 35, will be assisted by new vice captains, Harrison Hansen and Cory Paterson.

Coach Paul Rowley confirmed his senior hierarchy for 2016 during the club’s warm weather training camp in Lanzarote.

“I have taken my time making the decisions as there are a lot of natural and proven leaders in the squad,” explained Rowley.

“I wanted to see how things developed amongst relationships with various players.

“I have always maintained the role of the captain is vital in terms of communicating with me and the rest of the squad in a positive manner.

“On the field the players are leaders in their own rights and Micky, Cory and Harrison can harness that and ensure a great level of clear communication between the staff and the players which is key to any successful organisation.”

The former Leigh East amateur returned to the club last season after a near 15 year absence during which time he won international honours and served St Helens, Wigan and Warrington with distinction.

Hansen and Paterson have yet to make their Centurions’ debuts after being recruited from Salford Red Devils.

“I was delighted to inform Micky he was my chosen captain for 2016 and what was equally pleasing was his emotional and positive response to the appointment,” added Rowley.?

“Equally, informing Cory and Harrison of their appointments, was also pleasing as they were also delighted with receiving the responsibility of assisting Micky.”

Between them the trio have racked up 901 senior games.

Meanwhile Leigh are in mourning for “the single most influential person in the history of Leigh Rugby League Club” after the death, aged 97, of Tommy Sale MBE.

News of Tommy’s death was confirmed to the players and staff as they landed in the Canary Islands.

Tommy’s involvement with Leigh began when he worked on the scoreboard from an early age at the old Mather Lane ground.

In September 2015 he helped unveil a blue plaque on Rugby Road, near the site of the old Mather Lane ground to mark 120th anniversary of the first games in the Rugby League.

In between, he served his beloved club in just about every capacity: player, captain, director, Life President, groundsman, secretary, timekeeper and fan.

Tommy scored 16 tries in 82 appearances for Leigh before joining Widnes and helping them to a 1950 Challenge Cup final appearance with both touch downs in an 8-0 semi-final victory over Bradford Northern.

A book of condolence has been placed in reception at Leigh Sports Village while numerous tributes have been paid to ‘Mr Leigh.’

Leigh full-back Gregg McNally tweeted: “Just landed to hear the awful news about Tommy Sale. True Leigh legend who will be massively missed.”

And Leigh MP, Andy Burnham, added: “I am sure I speak for the whole of Leigh in paying tribute to the legendary Tommy Sale MBE.

“We won’t see his like again. A true gentleman.”