NSW State of Origin coach Laurie Daley has declared he won’t reveal his new Blues captain until he names his team for the series opener.
Prop Aaron Woods is considered the frontrunner among a host of candidates to take over from long-serving skipper Paul Gallen, including Boyd Cordner, Josh Jackson and Wade Graham.
Veteran rake Robbie Farah is the only player apart from Gallen to have led the Blues under Daley’s watch.
“You’ll find out the night of May 21 I think, when we announce the team. We won’t announce who it’ll be until right up until that date,” said Daley at the Origin series launch in Sydney on Monday.
“We don’t know who’s going to be available. Until then, we’ll keep it pretty close to the chest but we haven’t even discussed who the captain will be at this stage.
“We’ve got an idea of a group we’re looking at and seeing how they’re developing.”
Woods, who hasn’t missed an Origin game since debuting in 2013, was on hand with Daley to officially kickoff the countdown to game one, which will be played at Suncorp Stadium on May 31.
“Woodsy’s a great leader and he’d certainly be someone that we’d consider,” Daley said.
He’s been a part of the team now for the last couple of years and he’s grown as a leader for the Tigers.
“He’s certainly learnt on the run with what he’s been through over the two years. But he’s certainly figured in a lot of the discussions.”
Wests Tigers captain Woods played down his chances of leading the Blues but admitted Gallen’s representative retirement has left a gaping hole in the Blues’ squad.
Gallen signed off last year holding the record for most games as captain of the state.
“It’ll be difficult without big Galza,” said Woods.
“Obviously when you normally refer to NSW the last 5-6 years, it’s always big Gal, big G-train. It’s going to be different without the big fella here.
“Some young guy’s going to have to step up now. It opens up a spot for Dave Klemmer, big Pig (Shannon Boyd) from Canberra, he’s been playing some really good footy, and Jake Trbojevic.
“We’ve got some really good forwards, but everyone’s going to have to pick up their game because Gal does 20 hit ups and 40 tackles. We’re going to have to share the workload around.”
Footy 101
Guest
Maloney. Yes he's the clown but he plays smart and will be there for all 3 this year. No one else is certain for 3 games based on current form except maybe Tyson Frizell but it's too early for him to be captain. Maloney all the way
Sammy
Guest
To say that Pearce should not be picked simply because he has never been part of a winning series is ridiculous. All of the series have been very close since 2011. Its obvious that Farah, Bird and Gallen sometimes became too involved over the past 6 years.
Magnus M. Østergaard
Roar Guru
All 3 were there in 2014 when NSW won and Mitchy wasn't. I think Pearce is a great club half, but whether its the pressure or unfamiliar surroundings or combinations hes not that good at Origin, hes a tried and tested failure.
Mushi
Guest
Maloney can't be captain. He's the class clown at training and isn't a rally point when he isn't playing well. Though as a qlder I hope they ignore that.
Big Daddy
Guest
Don't worry. Gallen will change his mind and be available. We will go with same old , Gallen ,Farah and whoever sucks up to Laurie.
Oingo Boingo
Guest
He's no longer behind Farah, Gallen and Bird . I've always felt they had more to do with NSW losing then Pearce. Or at least as much.
Knight Vision
Guest
The politics of the game begun a while back. The Blues Captain will be Cordner. No doubt
Succhi
Guest
I can't see how you can pick a captain (Wood) from such a dysfunctional club team and club, and I'm not a fan of having a captain who doesn't play 80 minutes. No idea who Daley will pick, but my guess is it will be from the Roosters or Manly.
jacksyd
Guest
Mythal Pearce- 15 Origin appearances - 4 wins. BRILLIANT !!!! Some players go hiding when the heat is on. Pearce is top of the pile for this.
John
Guest
You forgot to put in Farah, he is an automatic selection even if he is playing in the reserves.
Craig
Guest
As a Queenslander I'm looking forward to the old selections of Pearce, Dugan, Cordner. If fit, it should be Maloney as captain. He's the most likely to be picked for the whole series and coming years. However, with Daley at the helm I reckon they'll go with Cordner.
Magnus M. Østergaard
Roar Guru
Which he has been when he has been picked so many times before. I don't see the point.
Oingo Boingo
Guest
Maybe not as captain,but he is the form halfback for NSW .
Dragons Forever
Guest
We all know it will be Pearce looooolll
Magnus M. Østergaard
Roar Guru
Good work Laurie, this is how you don't tell the media things.