Blues coach Laurie Daley says he won’t decide on who will captain NSW until he’s finalised his squad for the series opener on May 28, with Bulldogs centre Stephen Crichton receiving more support for the top job.
Daley is spoiled for choice with several Blues hopefuls captaining their NRL sides, while incumbent skipper Jake Trbojevic – who doesn’t lead the Sea Eagles – is also in the mix given how well he was able to bring the team together in 2024.
Panthers duo Nathan Cleary and Isaah Yeo are also candidates, with the latter leading the Kangaroos to Pacific Championships glory last year, while Crichton, Jarome Luai, Mitchell Moses and Mitchell Barnett all captain their clubs.
Daley will pick his team this weekend and will then decide who the best man for the job is.
“Once the team is finalised, the captaincy will be easy,” he said.
“We just want to make sure that we’ve got the right team, and then we’ll pick the right captain.
“We have got a number of good choices. Jake did a terrific job last year. While he didn’t play a lot of minutes, inside the camp they all spoke particularly highly of what he was able to do for the group.
“And then we’ve got other captains within the possible side that have led their team.”
While Yeo is the slight favourite at this stage, Crichton has received strong backing and is the reigning Dally M Captain of the Year.
Still only 24, Crichton has developed into an incredible leader and carried the Bulldogs on his back as they stormed home to beat the Raiders.
Stephen Crichton has become one of the best leaders in the game. Picture: Mark Nolan/Getty Images
“I think if he got put in that position that he wouldn’t let anyone down, but I also understand that there are a lot of great leaders in that team,” Bulldogs coach Cameron Ciraldo said, praising Crichton’s authenticity.
“They’ve got the Australian captain in that team as well and he’s a fantastic leader. I’m sure ‘Critta’s’ time will come if they give him that honour, and he wouldn’t let anyone down.
“He’s not walking in anywhere trying to be a leader or something that he’s not. He’s just himself, and that’s him chasing excellence with everything he does, and he wants to drag people along with him.
“He’s been a great leader for us and he’s only getting started.”
Former Blues skipper James Tedesco says the Blues have plenty of good options, with the strong leaders to be crucial for the team even if they aren’t picked to captain the side.
“There are so many leaders who would do a great job, so I don’t think you can go wrong with whoever they’re going to pick,” he said.
“There are so many great leaders and great captains that are going to be in that team, whether they’re captain or not. There are going to be some great leadership players who will be able to lead the state well.”
