NRL prodigal son Jarryd Hayne is now the man most likely to succeed Paul Gallen as NSW skipper, according to another player who is also a leading contender Wade Graham.
Before Gallen’s final game as Blues skipper in State of Origin III, NSW coach Laurie Daley nominated Graham, Boyd Cordner and Aaron Woods as the leading contenders to replace the long-term captain.
Graham could take over the captaincy of Cronulla from Gallen in 2017. But the Blues back-rower, who made his Origin debut in game three, said Hayne, who has played 20 interstate matches, is in pole position to take succeed Gallen for NSW.
“Definitely, I think he probably goes straight to the top of that list with all his achievements in the game,” Graham told AAP.
“He is just a player and a person who raises to the occasion every time.
“He not only wants the big games, he excels in the big games and that is someone you want to be leading you.
“I’m sure he will go right to the top of that list now, give him a couple of months of footy under his belt a pre-season and I’m sure he will be ready to go come Origin.”
However Gallen wasn’t so sure former Parramatta skipper Hayne would be given the leadership role with the Blues in 2017.
“It depends what he is doing at club level. I don’t think he will be captain at club level so they will probably look at someone who has got experience at doing it,” Gallen said.
“He has some experience there, he will come into the mix but it is a long way away.”
Meanwhile, Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga has indicated that Hayne would be unlikely to add to his 11 Tests for Australia at this year’s end-of-season Four Nations.
“I think we might leave that to next year,” he told Fairfax Media.
“Let’s take the pressure off him and see if he can come back to those lofty heights with the Titans.”
Jerry
Guest
I hope Tyson Frizzell plays s few more Origins. I don't really care who the next Blues captain is but don't rule out Mitchell Pearce just yet.
Mugs
Guest
It won't be Hayne, it should not be Graham. Only Maloney, Woods or Frizell
No Code
Guest
Agree. I'm a Sharkies man and it's Stupid idea naming Graham. Maloney would be fine though. Throw a team of speed in with some experience to keep 'em calm. 1. Tedesco 2. T Trbojevic 3. Croker 4. Hayne 5. B Morris 6. Austin 7. Maloney (c) 8. Woods 9. Peats 10. James 11. Cordner 12. Jackson 13. Frizell 14. Klemmer 15. Fafita 16. J Trobjevic 17. J Bird 18. Graham (sorry bud) 19. Wighton
Footy 101
Guest
Ok, why is Wade Graham in the frame for captaincy of NSW? He's played one game, threw the ball into the 5th row and we saw how good his coming toss ability is last week. Surely after years of failure another Sharks forward is not the way to go. Graham is no certainty to retain his spot for any of the 3 games and he'd likely be on the bench at best. The suggestion of him as captain by Daley again raises serious questions of him coaching another year. As Maloney looks like he'll get another series next year, give it to him for a series and the other captain will become more of a no brainer for 2018 beyond.