And it’s hard to think of a more demanding role within the NRL.
Leading some of the big Sydney clubs can be onerous while being the Broncos’ skipper brings the focus of an entire state. But none of those franchises deal with the travel schedule that the Warriors have or the singular focus of an entire nation.
Being the Warriors’ captain is a unique job, requiring a unique individual.
So who are the possible contenders?
Mitch Barnett
The outstanding player at the club last season, the 30-year-old has gone to a new level in the last 12 months, winning State of Origin and Kangaroos’ selection.
He has served as stand-in skipper when Harris was unavailable and has the respect of all at the club. He has also improved in his dealings with the media since he first arrived and seems more comfortable as a spokesperson.
Though being captain affects everybody – and is an extra load – Barnett appeals as the type who could handle the pressure. He is also well-equipped to deal with referees, one of the most important aspects of the match day job.
James Fisher-Harris
There will be a big push for Fisher-Harris to be given the role, given his standing and mana within the sport.
He’s a player everyone would look up to and it would tick a lot of boxes for the club, from an external perspective. Fisher-Harris is also the Kiwis’ skipper and has grown into that job. He has also led the Panthers occasionally.
Such an appointment would need to be considered carefully. Fisher-Harris already has so much on his shoulders, as a marquee arrival and one of the biggest signings in the club’s history, expected to become the pack leader alongside Barnett.
He needs to find his feet here – on and off the field – after living in Australia for more than a decade.
And Fisher-Harris is a man of few words. He can be a thoughtful and considered speaker but being the face of the Warriors – in a million interviews during a transition season, with the ravenous demands of the NRL media – would be draining.
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck
Tuivasa-Sheck was a long-serving captain, after being handed the role as a 23-year-old. It almost broke him in the first season in 2017, though he grew into an outstanding leader.
Since his return Tuivasa-Sheck has enjoyed contributing as a senior player and is one of the most respected voices in the dressing room. But would he want to be skipper again? That’s a moot point.
Tuivasa-Sheck is an immensely proud Warrior – and desperately wants the club to have sustained success – but going back would be a big step.
Wayde Egan
The affable Australian is the textbook example of an ideal import; he loves life here, has improved considerably and has bought into every aspect of the club.
At his best, he is also one of the most effective hookers in the sport, while the 27-year-old is often one of the first put up after tough losses, with the ability to handle difficult interviews.
But the role of a No 9 has become incredibly onerous, as matches seem to get faster and faster every season, with Cameron Smith and Harry Grant rare captaincy examples in that position. Egan has also suffered from a horrendous injury run, as well as concussions.
Kurt Capewell
The 31-year-old has an enviable CV, part of grand final campaigns with Cronulla, Penrith, and Brisbane, with his Queensland State of Origin experience. He has done everything in the game and wouldn’t be fazed by such a role, though may not be considered a long-term captain.
Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad
The 29-year-old has obvious leadership qualities, which he has exhibited from a young age.
He is also one of the most influential voices on a day-to-day basis among the team and sets the tone with his attitude to training and preparation. But he probably has too much on his plate, with his high-energy style from fullback, to take on so much more responsibility.
Dallin Watene-Zelezniak
He was an effective and inspiring Kiwis’ skipper in the first half of Michael Maguire’s tenure and offers an obvious lead by example mentality on the field, with his charging runs. But being captain from wing is highly unusual.
Of the other options, Chanel Harris-Tavita appeals as a future contender – but it is too soon for the 25-year-old. Dylan Walker has impressed as an occasional captain over the last two seasons but is probably not a permanent option.
Michael Burgess has been a sports journalist since 2005, winning several national awards and covering Olympics’, Fifa World Cups and America’s Cup campaigns. A football aficionado, Burgess will never forget the noise that greeted Rory Fallon’s goal against Bahrain in Wellington in 2009.
