The Men of League Foundation, in partnership with the Australian Kangaroos, have announced the Captains' Captain – an award to recognise an Australian Kangaroos Captain for both his service to Australia and his leadership, excellence and longevity as a player and citizen.

12 nominees for the Captains' Captain were hand-picked by an expert panel comprising of David Middleton, Greg Alexander, Ian Heads, Steve Ricketts and Phil Rothfield.

The rugby league community were then invited to select their Captains' Captain from the nominees.

After more than 3,600 votes were cast by the rugby league loving public, the final result was unveiled at the Men of League Foundation Gala Dinner, with the Captains’ Captain declared as Darren Lockyer.

Chairman of the Men of League Foundation, Ron Coote said, "It is my privilege to acknowledge the twelve Captains on their nomination. Special congratulations is reserved for Darren Lockyer as the Captains' Captain.

"Darren is recognised as someone symbolic of the ethos of rugby league and his contribution to the game has been outstanding as a Captain of the Kangaroos. As a ball playing fullback who transitioned to five-eighth, Darren was certainly a genuine catalyst for change within our game.

"It is my pleasure to have witnessed Darren play at all levels of the game and especially as Captain of the Australian Kangaroos. His accomplishments both on and off the field have earned him a reputation as one of the greats of the modern era and we congratulate him on this honour that joins his many awards and successes.

"On behalf of the Board of the Men of League Foundation, congratulations to Darren on a brilliant Kangaroos and rugby league career and this worthy recognition of your contribution to our game," Ron Coote concluded.