The role of a captain goes way beyond the tossing of the coin. The impact leaders have on a team can vary from individual characteristics to playing dynamics and their responses under pressure, to each leader's role within the team.
Looking at some captains within this competition, it's easy to see how each is different. Firstly, each captain is viewed as being good enough to be playing each week on ability alone. They lead by example but are required to be consistent in their performance; hence high-risk players performing low percentage plays should not be cast in this position.
That type of player will be seen as freakish, with the ability to turn a game on its head, but can easily earn the wrath of coaches, fans and team-mates when those same high-risk plays turn sour.
It would be interesting to know the decision behind relinquishing Luke Lewis at the Penrith Panthers of the captaincy. It was simple to see why he was originally handed the role, given his standing in the club and his performances over time. To strip him of the title leads us to think his leadership off the field was found wanting.
Look at Paul Gallen, revered in the game today, but go back a couple of years and his public image was awful. 'Thug' and 'grub' were two words that consistently followed him.
