Re: 2020 | Next captain? : Tue Dec 10, 2019 6:20 am  

Sir Kevin Sinfield wrote:

He already captains his national side, experienced player, went well for us last year, will play long minutes

Experienced player hes hardly played any 1st grade rugby. He captains PNG cos hes ome of only a few to have played in NRL. Dont really see any credentials for being Leeds captain. That said there isnt many others that i see it in either.

We will see who gets the job. Be interesting to see. Gale or Ward for me.

Re: 2020 | Next captain? : Tue Dec 10, 2019 10:36 am  

Marty Grrrrrrrrrr! wrote:

Experienced player hes hardly played any 1st grade rugby. He captains PNG cos hes ome of only a few to have played in NRL. Dont really see any credentials for being Leeds captain. That said there isnt many others that i see it in either.

We will see who gets the job. Be interesting to see. Gale or Ward for me.

Has to be Ward, and Gale as vice captain.

Re: 2020 | Next captain? : Tue Dec 10, 2019 11:28 am  

I think Ward he does come across as a level headed young man

Re: 2020 | Next captain? : Tue Dec 10, 2019 6:35 pm  

Gotcha wrote:

Has to be Ward, and Gale as vice captain.

I’d agree if he could finally get over his injury problems. I think Agar will go down the route of a ‘leadership’ group again of which Ward and Gale will be two, Cuthbo probably a 3rd

Re: 2020 | Next captain? : Tue Dec 10, 2019 8:44 pm  

Gotcha wrote:

Has to be Ward, and Gale as vice captain.

Pointless until he's played at least 75% of a season.

Re: 2020 | Next captain? : Tue Dec 10, 2019 8:50 pm  

In other circumstances id say ward but theres got to be the concern that he just needs to focus on his own game and wellbeing.

Re: 2020 | Next captain? : Wed Dec 11, 2019 8:03 am  

Seth wrote:

In other circumstances id say ward but theres got to be the concern that he just needs to focus on his own game and wellbeing.

I'd agree with this - he simply hasn't been physically available on a consisent enough basis to be on field captain.

This bit will get me hammered (and probably rightly so), but I also don't think someone with such mental health struggles would be the best fit as Captain in an RL environment, for a number of reasons. Firstly, the added responsibility and expectation could just add to his pressures (though I accept only he would know this) - but he has perviously spoke about the weight of expectation and struggling with being out injured - if he's also captain and gets another long term injury, the added pressure certainly won't help.
I also know that whilst society as a whole (and particularly RL circles) have come a long way with regards to the whole stigma around mental health, I still think there are people who we see it as a weakness, even from within his own team - and I just don't think that sets the right tone. Not a view I agree with, or condone, but the harsh reality is that many people want a leader who's seen to be 'made of tougher stuff' mentally.

Re: 2020 | Next captain? : Wed Dec 11, 2019 9:27 am  

Superted wrote:

I'd agree with this - he simply hasn't been physically available on a consisent enough basis to be on field captain.

This bit will get me hammered (and probably rightly so), but I also don't think someone with such mental health struggles would be the best fit as Captain in an RL environment, for a number of reasons. Firstly, the added responsibility and expectation could just add to his pressures (though I accept only he would know this) - but he has perviously spoke about the weight of expectation and struggling with being out injured - if he's also captain and gets another long term injury, the added pressure certainly won't help.
I also know that whilst society as a whole (and particularly RL circles) have come a long way with regards to the whole stigma around mental health, I still think there are people who we see it as a weakness, even from within his own team - and I just don't think that sets the right tone. Not a view I agree with, or condone, but the harsh reality is that many people want a leader who's seen to be 'made of tougher stuff' mentally.

As someone whos personally battled mental health issues for over 20 years id say that that battle makes you more tough if anything. Im sure his teammates have the utmost respect for how hes dealt with it and it shows strength of character to be open about it. My only issue would be for the player himself but i'd think that of any other player who'd had his injury problems, mental health problems included or otherwise.

Re: 2020 | Next captain? : Wed Dec 11, 2019 9:52 am  

Seth wrote:

In other circumstances id say ward but theres got to be the concern that he just needs to focus on his own game and wellbeing.

Agree.

He clearly has the right attitude toward the game but also it doesn’t necessarily mean he’s a great leader. I don’t know either way in that regard.

I’d be very tempted to do the reverse of Gotcha’s suggestion and put Gale as captain with Ward as vice-captain.

Then in 3 years time, if Ward has been successful in his own game he could step up.

Re: 2020 | Next captain? : Wed Dec 11, 2019 3:03 pm  

ATEOTD we don't know the players and how they are perceived by the Coaching Staff or other team mates, apparently Ferres was very good with the other players (one ex Hidds player may say differently) and was very good with the younger players, probably the reason he was made stand in captain a few times.

Ward seems the obvious choice to me but he may not be the right choice at all.

I'm not a good judge anyway as I can remember being against Sinfield being captain at such a young age!!