Scott Higginbotham will captain the Reds in 2018, charged with leading a youth filled squad back to Super Rugby glory.
The 31-year-old will take the reins from close friend James Slipper, who is set for a round one return from an achilles injury that cruelled his 2017.
Higginbotham captained the Rebels from 2013 to 2015 but he has never had the armband on in his time at the Reds, making him the 117th skipper in 136 years of Queensland rugby.
"I'm very honoured to captain the Reds. Being appointed to this position by someone such as Brad means a great deal to me,” Higginbotham said.
"It's great to lead such a young, exciting and positive bunch of blokes.
"I’ve had the privilege of being captain of another Super Rugby team, and that experience will help me now.
"I’m also privileged to have the support of other strong leaders in the team, like Samu (Kerevi) and James (Slipper) who have done the role previously.
"That is only going to strengthen our side."
New coach Brad Thorn explained the logic behind the decision.
"He's a great man, a great Queensland and he has had success here in the past," Thorn said.
"He's a humble guy, he has a real good connection with both the young and the old in the team and he's a very good footballer.
"It feels like the right fit.
"Samu and Slips have done good jobs before but I think Higgers is the right man for the job and I am excited to have him lead in that role.
"I liked what I saw when he was down at the Rebels - it brought the best out of him and the team seemed to gel around him when he captained.
"He's got a really good way with the guys."
