Scott George will lead Distington from the front this season as he takes over the captain’s armband going into this weekend’s Ladbrokes Challenge Cup clash.

George took on the role following the departure of Aiden Worthington to Whitehaven and he is relishing the chance to lead his troops into action.

Distington are away from home on Saturday in the first round tie, as they travel to take on National Conference League Division One side Featherstone Lions.

Club chairman Mark Askew says this is a fresh start for his side, who last season broke records, going through the term unbeaten and winning five trophies.

“We have to go into the new year with a fresh start,” said Askew.

“We had a fantastic year in 2016 and made history which was awesome for the club but we can’t look back.

“I’m sure other teams will have strengthened and have had good pre-seasons so we have to look at this as a fresh start and go again.”

Askew said coach Carl Hewer had prepared the players well with a tough pre-season schedule and that they would go into the Lions’ lair fit and ready.

“We won’t be cocky or too confident,” added Askew. “We will just train well and work hard and take every game as it comes.

“We have four 16-year-olds from the village who have joined the squad, plus Ben Carter, who spent time in rugby union.

“Carl has ran a very intense pre season with two nights and Saturday mornings so we should match Featherstone on fitness.

“Just like last year in this competition we have an unfamiliar opponent who had a great season last year in the NCL division one so we are expecting a tough challenge.”

He added: “We are just looking for a performance and trying not to think too much about the result but obviously different scenarios are playing in the players’ heads, which is to be expected.

“This game is all about on the day and I have confidence that we can go and give a good account of ourselves.”

Distington have lost two experienced props in the shape of Aiden Worthington and Bryan Ritchie but Askew says they have cover across the field.

And he believes that Scott George will be a born leader for them.

“He is a natural leader on the pitch and every player has ultimate respect for him,” said Askew.

“He is arguably one of Distington’s greatest players to date and deserves the captaincy without a doubt and he accepted the role with pleasure.

“We have lost two good props in Aiden and Bryan so we might be a little light in the forwards but this is an opportunity for others to step up and show what they are capable of.”