Christian Welch has joined fellow prop Jesse Bromwich as a Melbourne co-captain for the 2022 NRL season.
Welch takes the place of Dale Finucane, who left Melbourne for Cronulla, and is positioned to take on the sole duties next season with Bromwich also set to depart to join the Dolphins.
The 27-year-old Queensland Origin representative has played for the Storm since 2015, clocking up 117 games.
"I've been fortunate to be part of this club for a decade now. It's been a huge part of my life," Welch said.
"Being captain, especially alongside Jesse, is a great honour and it was something of a surprise to be asked by Craig to do the job this year."
Storm general manager of football Frank Ponissi said the two captain model worked well last season, following the retirement of long-time skipper Cameron Smith.
"The captaincy role is a lot bigger than it was 10 years or even five years ago - and it will get even bigger in the years to come," Ponissi said.
"Christian has undergone a strong leadership apprenticeship, especially over the last couple of seasons, and is ready to take that further step.
"He's very natural in a leadership role, especially away from the field."
Welch has been a member of Storm's leadership group for the past two seasons and is also a board member of the Rugby League Players' Association.
Completing a commerce degree, he is also studying for his MBA.
Joining the two captains in the 2022 leadership group are Kenny Bromwich, Felise Kaufusi and last year's Storm player of the year, Jahrome Hughes.
PNG international Justin Olam is the new inclusion in the emerging leaders group which also includes Ryan Papenhuyzen, Harry Grant and Tom Eisenhuth.
