Wigan Warriors coach Denis Betts says he has no doubt former rugby league team-mate Jason Robinson will be a success as England rugby union captain. On Monday, Robinson became the first black England rugby union captain, and the first former league player to lead the union side.
"It's a fantastic achievement for him that now he's been recognised as a leader of men," said Betts.
"Jason works very hard at everything and he'll definitely be a success."
Betts played alongside Robinson for both the Wigan and Great Britain rugby league teams before the latter's switch to the 15-man code with Sale Sharks.
Betts always said Robinson would be a huge success as a player but admitted he never saw him becoming captain.
 |  I hope everybody in rugby league will be delighted he's been appointed captain |
"There was never any doubt in my mind, and I am on record as saying this, that Jason would be a sensation," said Betts
"Rugby union had never seen anything like him, like rugby league had never seen anything like him.
"He is one of those freaks of nature that is just so highly talented. He's a sensational athlete and was always going to be a success at whatever he tried to do.
"But I never imagined he would go on to be captain.
"I never saw him as captaincy material, but obviously he has matured and grown over the years and as he's grown up he's turned into somebody who's very responsible."
Betts does not expect Robinson to be the sort of leader who stirs his side with rhetoric.
"He's more of a doer than a talker - he leads by example," said Betts.
"I hope everybody can see how hard he's worked for this recognition - to be the first player ever of colour to lead the England rugby union side is a great achievement.
"I hope everybody in rugby league will be delighted he's been appointed captain.
"As an ex-rugby league player, for Jason to be appointed captain is a great thing for our game."
MMIX
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