VOLLEYBALL: Greg Sukochev has been named as stand-in Australian volleyball captain for their two World League matches against Serbia in Novi Sad and Belgrade this week.

27-year-old Sukochev will fill in for regular captain Tom Edgar, who is being rested ahead of Australia’s double header against Brazil and Serbia, in Sydney and Melbourne, beginning in a fortnight.

“It’s an honour, even though it is for such a short period, it is still an honour,” Sukochev said.

“To be honest it’s not going to change too much my approach. The things that I’ve been doing to help the team I’ll continue to do.

“In my opinion it really shouldn’t change a great deal, either. Our chemistry will progress naturally.”

South Australian Sukochev, who played last season in Lebanon, said the Volleyroos have several outstanding on court leaders who can help out.

“Generally speaking there are a number of us who can take a leadership role from time to time,” he said.

“It doesn’t always fall to one person.”

Uzbekistan-born Sukochev made his debut for the Australian team in 2006, and was a member of the 2012 Olympic team.

He also represented Australia in beach volleyball, teaming with fellow South Australian and 2012 Olympian, Becchara Palmer, to compete at the 2005 Under 19 World Championships.

The Volleyroos will take on Serbia in Novi Sad on Friday and Sunday morning, Australian time, before heading back to Sydney to take on world number one, Brazil, on June 27/28.

ROSS SOLLY FOR VOLLEYBALL AUSTRALIA