Reading Sophie Watkins blog about kallums troubles a few years ago, and how Stevie Ward helped him through it, I think speaks volumes about Stevie's character especially of someone that age. Also all the work he's done with mantality and getting other athletes to talk about mental health.
I think from little glimpses like this you can see Stevie is very mature, very well respected and has a tough character with a level head. I also think his experience with injuries he could use for his advantage. Knowing what adversity feels like only strengthens your character more.
As well as being a fierce competitor on the pitch and good when speaking in front of camera.
I think all these are attributes of a strong leader. And why for me he is by far the obvious choice to take the captaincy next year.

Based on that quote it should be Ashton Golding - No one loves the club more and gets as excited when we win vital tackles etc.

Totally agree - He is a born leader

Stevie Ward for me as he has all of the credentials required (if he stays injury free) to lead our club for the next decade (unless the NRL clubs come calling with the big bucks)

I've tipped Stevie to be a future Rhinos captain since he was 14 or 15 and I haven't changed my opinion

Wardy has all the attributes to be up there with his namesake David as skippers go for me

Thinking about it, why not let the players choose the captain?

I'm pretty sure that they would have some major input on the decision yes.

Though I'm sure we would need a leadership "core" truth be told.

Parcell absolutely no doubt and tie him in for as long as possible
Ward too injury prone
Watkins has enough on with kicking

Ward is the clear stand out option for me

think moon could do a great job been a revolution this season in my opinion

Gotta be Ward for me now after that performance with a dislocated shoulder, shows his commitment to the club and (if thre were any doubt) his mental toughness

Stevie Ward

I think Mags saying Ward will lead this team at the post match press conference is a telling hint.

Unless you're in the inner sanctum, it's difficult to know who is the right person - you'd need to see the dynamics, how each individual speaks, acts and the respect they're given by the other players. Both Danny and Rob appear to have suggested Ward is the man over the last 24 hours.

I do worry about Ward though - and I know this might not please the PC brigade, but he still seems very vulnerable, even troubled to me. The way McD spoke about the fact 'he had to play' when talking about his injury and mental wellbeing, even how Ward himself spoke about his feelings last weekend and that he went to a very dark place. I imagine if he hadn't been able to play, there'd have been a serious challenge to his mental health.

So, whilst I have an immense amount of respect for him as an individual and how he has been so open and honest about his mental health, how he's dealt with his set backs and his courage to not only make it on the field yesterday, but to put in the performance he did, I'm not sure he's the best man for the job. I'm 100% sure he's an absolute asset as a leader within the group, but I'm not sure it's right for him or the team - but I do say that with the caveat that I'm not in the inner sanctum, it's just my thoughts from what I see externally. The flip side is that both Danny and Rob appear to support him, and that is definitely worth more than my opinion.

Why not let the players decide?