Cockbain's leadership has impressed Ospreys coach Lyn Jones

Cockbain, 32, shocked the region by asking for a transfer over the summer, but the second row has since resolved his differences with the region.

"Since the disappointment of being left out of Rugby World Cup, Brent has knuckled down and worked very hard," said Ospreys coach Lyn Jones.

"He has been a huge positive and taken a leadership role in our environment."

Cockbain captained the Ospreys in last Saturday's friendly win over Bristol at the Liberty Stadium, and he will lead the side out in the Magners League opener at Cardiff Blues on Friday.

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The Australia-born lock played a leading role in the Ospreys' Magners League triumph last season, having also been a pivotal figure in Wales' 2005 Grand Slam win.

But he was axed from Wales' World Cup training squad in June, and then stunned the Ospreys by asking to be released from the final year of his contract at the Liberty Stadium.

His request was immediately turned down by the region, despite them also having three current Wales international locks at their disposal in Alun Wyn Jones, Ian Evans and Ian Gough.

Cockbain complained of not wanting to "be holding tackle bags" at the Ospreys this season, but Jones believes the 24-times capped lock has still plenty to offer his team.

And with flanker Jones set to miss at least the first two months of the season with a shoulder injury, Cockbain will have plenty of opportunities to demonstrate his leadership skills.

"It's been a really successful move for us to call him captain over this short period while Ryan (Jones) is away," Jones told BBC Wales Sport.

"He's become a leading light for the other players around. At 32, he's got masses of experience and he's got a lot to say and still lots to prove.