As the 2011 Origin series wound down and the league community bid farewell to Darren Lockyer from the Origin stage, all eyes turned for a brief moment to Wally Lewis Medal Winner, Cameron Smith, or as the commentary team referred to him, ‘captain-in-waiting’.
It must be comforting for the Queensland-faithful to know that their beloved Maroons are in safe hands.
After all, the Queensland captaincy reads more like a royal line of succession. Smith inherits the side from Lockyer who in turn inherited it from Tallis.
If Smith was unavailable, Civoniceva could take the reigns (assuming he doesn’t retire), while Thurston is surely next in line to take on the job.
Looking to the future, the Queensland captaincy looks safe in the hands of Slater, Inglis or Harrison.
But while Queensland is slowly nurturing its future leaders, where does that leave the Blues?
Gallen has proven his worth as captain in 2011 with courageous efforts on the field and showing passion and leadership heading into each game.
However, when the time comes for Gallen to hang up his Origin boots, which New South Wales player is ready to take on the job?
The Blues captaincy looked safe for many years, getting passed down from Daley to Fitler, Fitler to Johns. But when Danny Buderus retired as captain at the end of the ’08 series, things went horribly off course.
There was a logical choice to wear the ‘C’ after Buderus’s departure.
A 17-game veteran, respected by both players and fans alike. A media darling, with a reputation for great sportsmanship. A workhorse known for his consistency.
That man was Nathan Hindmarsh.
The problem for Hindmarsh, and indeed the Blues however, was a collective brain-snap by the New South Wales selectors in which it was decided that the Blues needed young blood, and plenty of it.
As a result, Hindmarsh, not only missed out on a captaincy role, but also missed the squad altogether in favour of young guns and bolters.
With all respect to Kurt Gidley, who was satisfactory as captain, the Blues lacked experience and experienced leaders.
Captaining an Origin team is not only a highly-revered position, it is one of great importance as well. Having said that, perhaps, we should review the candidates poised to succeed Gallen.
1. Kurt Gidley
– Why Him? He’s done it before, he could do it again.
-Why Not? Inconsistent form has seen him on the bench at Origin level and is not a certain starter. He is also the same age as Gallen.
2. Mitchell Pearce
-Why Him? He may only be young, but if he can keep playing at Origin level, he could well prove to be ready in a few years.
-Why not? Still somewhat inexperienced. Needs to take more control in the halves.
3: Mark Gasnier
-Why Him? A consistently good player who takes on a senior role on field. He’s also experienced at Origin level.
-Why not? Left rugby league to play Union at the peak of his career. Same age as Gallen.
4. Jamie Soward
-Why Him? Like Pearce, if Soward can gain more Origin experience, he could perform well as leader. He is also older than Pearce.
-Why Not? Still inexperienced at Origin level. Is not as media-savvy as some of the others in the sky blue
5. Jarryd Hayne
-Why Him? A 13-game veteran at just 23. Missing selection in game one this year, probably gave him the wake-up call that he needed to improve his form and his discipline. Arguable New South Wales’ best player in recent years.
-Why not? Carries a reputation as a ‘diver’ and has received criticism for his attitude.
6. Anthony Minichiello
-Why Him? Once the form fullback of the NRL, Minichiello had his crown usurped by Billy Slater while recovering from seemingly endless injuries. Could he be ready to finish what he started?
-Why Not? Only just returned to the New South Wales fold. Clock is very much against him.
7. David Williams
Hey, anything’s possible under the NSW selectors right?
Whoever is poised to steer the ship once Gallen departs, it is in the Blues’ best interest for Stuart to start grooming the state’s future leaders, if it has any chance of reestablishing its dynasty.
Gallen’s replacement needs to possess the respect of players and fans alike. Show quality decision making and intense passion for the sky-blue jersey.
He must be someone who is ready to become the figurehead of rugby league in New South Wales.
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