Who will be the new Kiwis captain?
There seems to be four possible contenders to succeed Simon Mannering as Kiwis captain.
On Thursday morning the new skipper will be unveiled, and Stephen Kearney has four logical options.
Issac Luke (33 tests)
League: Who will be the new Kiwis captain?
There seems to be four possible contenders to succeed Simon Mannering as Kiwis captain. Photo / Mark Mitchell
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Wears his heart on his sleeve and would be an inspirational leader. Has always wanted to be a Kiwis captain and is still rated as one of the best hookers in the world. Usually plays 80 minutes which is an advantage. Luke has also captained the Rabbitohs. However, it's unsure how suited he would be to the off field demands of the job.
Adam Blair (31 tests)
The Broncos prop is coming off the best season of his career since his days at the Melbourne Storm. Rated highly by Kearney and the pair have had a long association. Experienced international, but may not be a first choice prop in the starting XII. At 29, is also not a choice for the future.
Jason Nightingale (25 tests)
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Nightingale has been an almost permanent fixture during the Kearney tenure. Not flashy, but very effective as a winger and brings high professional standards to the camp. However, his position on the flank is a disadvantage, as captains tend to be closer to the action. The last player to captain the Kiwis from wing was Dane O'Hara in the early 1980s.
Jesse Bromwich (14 tests)
Belongs in the top echelon of props in the NRL and over the last two years has reached a new level in his play. Is part of the leadership group at the Storm - alongside Cameron Smith, Cooper Cronk and Billy Slater - and has absorbed a lot off the Big Three. Is in the Mannering 'actions speak louder than words' mould.
Other possibilities:
Elijah Taylor and Alex Glenn. Both have been earmarked for leadership (Taylor has captained the Panthers this season) but neither would be certainties to make a 17 man test squad, given the current depth in the back row.
