Superstar Greg Inglis will captain defending champions South Sydney for the 2015 NRL season.

Fullback Inglis replaces John Sutton, who led the Rabbitohs to their first premiership in 43 years in 2014.

Coach Michael Maguire said Sutton was “comfortable” with the club’s decision to drop him as skipper and supported the change.

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“He knows his role within the team wont change much either in terms of what is expected of him as a senior player and a leader amongst the squad,” Maguire said in a statement on Tuesday.

“He’s played more first grade games for this club than anyone in history and he is still learning in his transition to the forward pack.”

Maguire said Inglis’ appointment would help “refresh” the squad ahead of their title defence.

“Greg is very excited about this opportunity to captain the team in a very important season for us where we are the defending premiers.

“He enjoyed the extra responsibilities last year when John was out injured and he will now get the chance to fill that role for the entire season.”

Inglis welcomed the role.

“We have a big job ahead of us as a squad and the senior players have a responsibility to make sure we get the best out of ourselves as a team each week,” the Queensland and Australian representative said.

“Like I said last year, my role within the team won’t change that much as captain, but it’s an honour to be captain of this club, it’s a privilege to lead the team out in front of the Rabbitohs members, and it’s a responsibility I don’t take lightly.

“I can’t wait for the footy to start and to pull on the red and green jersey again in 2015.”

Following the Auckland Nines later this month, the Rabbitohs will head to the UK to take on Super League champions St Helens in the World Club Challenge in Manchester on February 22 ahead of the NRL season start on March 5.