Deacon has played in all six of Bradford's Grand Final appearances

The 27-year-old, in his ninth year at Odsal, follows Robbie Paul, Jamie Peacock and Harris to become Bradford's fourth skipper in as many years.

Second-rower Glenn Morrison, who joined the club from Parramatta in the close season, is the club's new vice-captain.

"I feel Paul produces his best form when he is put under pressure," said Bradford coach Steve McNamara.

"It's a fantastic opportunity for him.

"I've been looking to challenge Deacs more in certain aspects of his game and this will continue to do that.

I've accepted it. I've got to kick on and move on now Iestyn Harris

"He's been a fantastic servant for the Bulls - this is his ninth season now - and this is the direction I want us to head in.

"Every decision I make is for the benefit of the team. I think this decision will deliberately put a little bit more responsibility on Paul.

"I believe he'll be a very, very good captain. Deacs has a lot of leadership qualities and leads by example, certainly in practice and training."

Harris, who captained both Leeds and Wales, expressed his disappointment at losing the role but insisted he will bounce back.

"Obviously I'm disappointed a little bit," he said.

"I spoke to Steve about two or three weeks ago and he said he wanted to go that way.

"He felt that the club was a difficult place to be around last year and there was a lot of outside pressure that came onto my shoulders which I had to deal with.

"He wanted me to have a pressure-free start to the year and concentrate on my game.

"I've accepted it, I've got to kick on and move on now. The most important thing is to perform well and do your talking on the field and that's what I intend to do."