James O'Connor's flirtation with captaincy is over after the "cooked" Queensland Reds title-winner opted against returning to the role this year.
Instead livewire half Tate McDermott has been promoted to partner Liam Wright as co-captain for the new Super Rugby Pacific season beginning next month.
Wright's long-term ankle injury on the eve of last season saw O'Connor parachuted into the captaincy and flourish, the former rugby bad boy relishing the task as the Reds swept to the domestic title.
