NSW State of Origin forward Paul Gallen will lead Cronulla next year after halfback Brett Kimmorley decided to stand down as club captain.
Gallen, 26, assumed the captaincy role at the back-end of the 2007 NRL season while Kimmorley was sidelined with a serious knee injury suffered in Origin III.
"To have the job on a permanent basis is a great honour," Gallen said.
"I really enjoyed my time as captain and was hoping it would one day become fulltime, so getting the news today is a big thrill.
"Noddy (Kimmorley) will be a hard act to follow but I realise I still have a lot to learn as far as the captaincy goes and he's one guy I'll be looking for to provide some advice and guidance."
Kimmorley said he had made the decision to relinquish the captaincy to focus on his own game as Cronulla's chief playmaker.
"While I know I've still got plenty to offer the team, I thought it best that I worry about myself and my own footy rather than also dealing with the responsibility of the captaincy," Kimmorley explained.
"If I can work towards getting back to my best by doing that, I think the team will certainly benefit.
"Gal did a great job while I was on the sideline last year. I'm sure he'll do well in the role again next season and I'll be giving him my 100 percent support."
Kimmorley underwent season-ending knee surgery following the final Origin match and also had an off-season operation to repair wrist ligament damage but he should be fit for the start of the 2008 season.
Sharks coach Ricky Stuart praised Kimmorley's unselfishness in handing the captaincy to Gallen.
"Brett's decision is obviously one he has made for what he believes is in the best interests of the team," Stuart said.
"He sees the importance of personally having a big season himself in 2008 and I fully support him in the decision he has made."
The Sharks wound up their pre-Christmas training on Thursday and will return on January 7.
