Sorry if this has been picked up elsewhere, but there is a piece in the Warrington Guardian on who could be appointed our captain for next year. It had slipped by that Hughes was captain and hasn’t been replaced formally, but the WG lists Ratchford, Williams, McGuire, Currie and Vaughan as candidates.

Uninspiring shortlist, but interested to hear thoughts. I would, from an outsider looking in, opt for Williams who is head and shoulders our best player and will be on the field for every second that he is available.

Powell has credited Matautia and Thewlis for their leadership characteristics, Clark is a time-served professional, Walker often seems to bark instructions when on the field.

Any suggestions?

Saw this and disappointed to see Ratchford’s name on that list which would suggest him having a1-17 shirt . For me the fact he got a 2 year deal was a bit of an eyebrow raiser for me and a few others on here, I see him as a squad filler now. The other point is with his name on that list it means we are struggling to bring another half into the club and if that’s the case I would just give the shirt to Hayes and have Dean and Ratchford as back ups.

If Ratchford is not going to be a regular starter, it is pointless to make him captain. I hope this thread isn't turning into a "Ratchford for next year's scapegoat " thread.

Ratchford wad captain for much of 2022, so it's only natural he's mentioned by the media as a potential.

Not easy to make the decision when you don't see the players behind the scenes day by day. I'd go for Williams I think, couldn't question his commitment last year, I thought maybe it would be too much on his plate, but was picked there for England v Fiji and has been going well.

I'm hoping that both Vaughan and McGuire will have big on-field leadership roles to play next season, and will drive standards among those around them, but as for club captain - Williams for me.

Williams for me, our best player and on field leader. I don't think it's right to appoint a new signing as captain, let them bed in to the team first.

Exactly.

1. Wane thought he had the required characteristics to captain England.
2. He is on the pitch 80 mins
3. He is likely to play every game he is fit.
4. I think he would thrive under the responsibility.

Williams for me.

McGuire with Dufty or Williams as Vice captain

Vaughan doesn’t exactly have the best off field reputation does he? Surprised his name was included as a potential captain tbh. Doesn’t mean he can’t drive on field performance though of course.

I wouldn’t have said Williams last year, but seeing him in an international shirt and having Wane’s backing as a captain in the warm up game, I’m convinced enough. He seems the sort of outside influence we’ve maybe been looking for. He’ll also have Vaughan and McGuire rallying others on the field.

Can’t see it being anyone other than Williams. Wane knows him really well, good enough for England, good enough for us.

I agree Captain H, If Wane's good enough for England, he's good enough for us.

Williams thoughts on the Wire Captaincy link



[urlhttps://m.youtube.com/watch?v=h6BJJe9JV_A&feature=emb_imp_woyt[/url

To add some balance against the Ratchford knockers, IF (and I hope it doesn’t) the season replicated last year, the captain may need to have serious conversations with the coach, CEO and board and manage upwards in addition to encouraging the players to buy in to the coach/clubs project.

His longevity with the club will add weight to his opinion, and given the fact that Powell has kept him and gave him a contract it shows that he see’s something in his leadership values and he can’t be put in the “bad apple” box.

He’s uniquely positioned internally, and won’t be seen as a scapegoat/mercenary by those in key positions. If a new guy comes in and starts knocking on the CEO’s door, it wouldn’t carry the same weight.

If I were in charge I would have him in my leadership group, along with a pack leader ( who should emerge from pre season) under Williams’ captaincy.

I think the Ratchford knocking is just frustration at the whole team based on last season. I’ve got no doubts about his leadership qualities and I’m 100% certain he’ll be in the leadership group. As you say, on-field Captain of Williams, on-field leaders like McGuire, and steady influences like Ratchford in the dressing room and on the training field. A ‘let’s roll our sleeves up and get into changing things for the better’ attitude, rather than ‘I don’t want to train this way’ or ‘my playing style is fine the way it is’.

Onwards and upwards.

Ratchford should not be considered for captaincy, but should be an influence off the field. His performance against Hull KR in the play off game showed he doesn't have what it takes in big games. Having been out of position for Rovers second try because he was too busy arguing with the ref, was setting the wrong example.