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.
Charles
Guest
Nathan Hindmarsh should be in the front row and made captain. He will handle the front row well and he gives 100% everytime, otherwise Gallen! Pearce, you blokes must be kidding, he should not even be in the side.Ryan Hinchcliffe must be given a go as hooker. Far to early to worry about this anyway!
Epiquin
Guest
The Williams one was clearly a joke.
Jason
Guest
Luke Lewis, Paul Gallen Stop throwing in names like Minichiello, Williams and pearce, fair enough their good but the players need someone to look up to, that is a leader.
oikee
Guest
:) running up to the ref and getting in his face is not a good look, both Gallen and Gidley should be ruled out as captains. Maybe Pearce might be a good captain, or even Soward. You need them to be able to walk a long way to see the ref. Have a biscuit and cup of tea by the time they get back to their spot on the wing. Yes Johnno, maybe Uate might be a good choice.
Gareth
Guest
I think Gallen was a piss poor captain. Yes he led from the front, but he does that regardless of whether he's got a C next to his name or not. As for his actual captaincy duties, he acted like a petulant child, sought to put the refs offside almost immediately, was a poor sport in defeat and worst of all, opted for a low percentage penalty shot that completely changed the momentum of Game 2. Personally, I don't think there is a long term captain in the current side.
Johnno
Guest
Uate at least he has self confidence and backs him self and has tremendous energy he brings to the team, and a high work rate. And his actions speak louder than his words, but he is a good personality to and good team man. Could do a lot worse eg The wolf man lol, or the other 2 you mentioned Gaz or Mini,.
mushi
Roar Guru
??? So how is Gallen mr captain and Tallis who toned down his antics once he became captain a goose (also a goose who captianed his country jsut like Lockyer and Smith while Gallen only just became a fixture in the NSW side)
M1tch
Roar Guru
We need a Cam Smith..trying to think of a 20 yr old dummy half that could be what Smith is for QLD...Ennis is done, perhaps Farah will get a go next year
Epiquin
Guest
There's nothing wrong with Gallen. No one is saying there is. In fact, I said he's a great captain. I'm simply posing the question: who, if anyone, is/should Stuart and the selectors earmark to take over when Gallen eventually retires.
sheek
Guest
Tallis part of a royal succession? The guy was/is a goose. That said, what's wrong with Gallen? Okay, the guy was ungracious in defeat & is still rough around the edges. But there is plenty of evidence he will grow into an excellent captain. Like the best style of captains, he leads from the front. It was just before my time, but back in 1967, Souths coach Clive Churchill decided to hand the captaincy to John Sattler, who at the time was recognized as an ill-disciplined hothead. Does this ring the bell of comparison with Gallen??? Saddled with the captaincy, Sattler settled down into an outstanding leader of men. I can see the same happening with Gallen.....
Epiquin
Guest
Yeh I think it will come down to pearce or hayne. Hayne has more games under his belt and will be an experienced player by the time gallen is ready to give it away. Origin teams like players who lead from the halves though and if Pearce develops a bit more confidence he'd be great for the job.
M1tch
Roar Guru
I would say Pearce is earmarked as the next captain, he basically has the halfback spot wrapped up now and at 22 now is in prime position to get it. All the rest are same age as Gallen and will be around for as long as he is.
matthewthorpe
Roar Pro
Robbie Farah? Needs to be picked first, but does the role at NRL level and is younger than Gallen
Epiquin
Guest
Yeh that's what I was thinking. That's why nsw needs to settle on players and stop changing the formula everytime we lose a game. Plenty of blokes in the side need to be given more opportunity at origin level.
Adrien2166
Guest
Greg Bird or Luke Lewis could make a decent captain.
The Barry
Roar Guru
I don't think there's any need to worry right now...based on 2011 Gallen will have the job for another 2-4 years. Based on players in the current side I'd lean towards Greg Bird or Beau Scott because they're guys who will lead from the front. There's not enough sure selections in the 17 to pick a captain from their ranks.