Kalyn Ponga could be the man to replace dethroned captain Mitchell Pearce at Newcastle after the Knights fullback was named among a five-man leadership group.
Veteran playmaker Pearce stood down as skipper earlier this month after a text messaging scandal involving an employee at the NRL club.
Coach Adam O’Brien had already planned to introduce a leadership group, which was announced on Saturday and featured Ponga, forward Mitch Barnett, NSW Origin front rower Daniel Saifiti, veteran five-eighth Blake Green and hooker Jayden Brailey.
The captain will come from that group and be named in March.
Queensland Origin fullback Ponga signed a new, rich contract extension at the Knights last year, revealing a desire to win the city’s third NRL title as a major driver in the decision.
Pearce has promised to “take steps to address these issues” but said it was in the club’s best interests for him to step down as captain.
“I love this club and I love my family and I’ve committed to working as hard as I can to be the best man I can be both on and off the field,” he said earlier this month.
Albo
Roar Rookie
Fair enough !
souvalis
Roar Rookie
After listening to Brailey and Kostjasen I'll fall off the chair if Barnett doesn't get it.
Big Daddy
Guest
Some people may say they're the ones that don't get into trouble until they do. Just think was probably going to be in it prior to his misdemeanors . Australia Day is always a good day to let your hair down.
andrew
Roar Rookie
Off field leadership at Saints is headed by Corey Norman.
Big Daddy
Guest
Looks like I spoke too early. A couple couldn't wait for Australia Day and decided to go a day early.
mushi
Roar Guru
To be fair leadership groups are real in every walk of life, but... If you have to tell the people it's supposed to be leading then it probably is a leadership group in name only.
mushi
Roar Guru
Even then surely John has realised by now that the author doesn't pick the headline
Albo
Roar Rookie
I think the Knights just highlight the overall lack of leadership in their squad with the names they have now put forward. I could never see Safiti, Barnett & Ponga with the right chops to seriously captain a team. In time I think Brayley could be the one, and for now only Green ( though a newbie) has the experience to lead the way on the park.
souvalis
Roar Rookie
True and as stated paragraph 4 : 'The captain will come from that group and be named in March. '
Paul
Roar Guru
Fair comment, but at the end of the day, both Clubs have really only had one leader.
Paul
Roar Guru
I know what it is in a workplace but blowed if I know what it is on the footy field.
Big Daddy
Guest
I forgot, it's the off season. They're all probably waiting for someone else to do something stupid. After all it's Australia Day tomorrow ( I say that expecting to cop some sort of flack about flags, invasion day , centre link ) when the usual suspects get a gutful of the old amber liquid and do something stupid. You can guarantee there will be a couple of casualties from tomorrow.
JOHN ALLAN
Guest
Good morning Nat. To use a sporting analogy, an NRL fullback & a wicketkeeper are both in ideal roles to captain their sides as they have a good view of the action in front of them. Important characteristics of successful captaincy is having a voice I.e. saying the right things at the right time e.g. in NRL while the opposition is having a kick at goal, inspiring your team by your actions & having the respect of your teammates. In addition, barring injury, the captain must be an automatic selection in the side. Who would you rate as the most inspiring captains at club & rep level?
andrew
Roar Rookie
John, i think you should have sent your reply to Murray, author of the article.
souvalis
Roar Rookie
Madge hasn't chosen his captain. Nor Ivan his. Kevvie ought to hurry up. No news from Holbrook on that front. What are we 7 weeks out from kick off and Belly still can't get a retirement decision out of a player. Looks like a few clubs don't have any 'authority',
Tony
Roar Guru
Some good picks there John. And for on field leadership, how about a very experiences International and Origin player. Someone who can lead by example. Say......Darius Boyd
Nat
Roar Rookie
I get Siafiti, Barnett and Ponga but Green is new and Brayley is a rookie (essentially). No Friz or Klemmer either. You have to wonder if Freddies assessment of Klemm's attitude isn't far from the mark? I say let Ponga earn his chq and take more personal responsibility in the outcome of the team.
Big Daddy
Guest
3-4 weeks since this has been reported and another 5 until they decide who it's going to be. I'm not sure if they have a clue. Do it now and create some authority.
JOHN ALLAN
Guest
Good morning Barry. Never used to be a need for leadership groups however now that it has become “the norm” with sporting teams, I guess it would be ideal to select players who share the same qualities hence my “fantasy” leadership group would be Mitchell Pearce, Todd Carney & Payne Haas. They would ensure their team adhered to a high standard of behaviour by setting an appropriate example!
souvalis
Roar Rookie
"I've been really fortunate in the career that I've had to work with two pretty special leadership groups for example at the Storm and the Roosters and this would be, I guess, a hybrid model of both of those clubs.' Coach O'Brien. If the 2 most successful clubs in the last 20 years use them you'd be tempted to give it a go.