People are probably not going to like this suggestion, but been a lot of complaints about Ward due to his injury record. So what about Liam Sutcliffe? Consistently chosen in the squad, doesn’t get many injuries, captained the academy and England academy, very popular with the team. It’s likely he will nail down a second row / loose position now with the Merrin news.

Can’t wait to see gotchas response to this

I don't expect sutty to play much next year tbh. Currently our first choice back 3 must be Merrin, ward and Martin. If Merrin leaves and we don't get another loose then I think ward or cuthbo will play there with mellor or Donaldson getting promoted off the bench.

I'm afraid, for me, sutty will only play when others are injured or rested. Not a caption for me.

Yep I agree with that. Your captain can’t be a player who can’t force his way into the team unless there’s injuries.
I also don’t think he’s the right person for it.

If Ward isn’t ready I’d be tempted to go with Cuthbertson for a season or 2 with the aim of Ward taking over.
I think with such a young side we need the captain to be experienced as well.

Leeds captain has to be very good with media/sponsors and an excellent man manager I think - has to effectively bridge between playing and coaching staff. Very difficult job to balance.

Ward for first nod and then it’s a case of making sure we still have on-field leaders if he gets crocked again.

Cuthbo maybe for one year, if he stays playing... we could do with someone taking and keeping the role for consistency though really.

I'd sooner give it to Jack Walker than Liam Sutcliffe. Harris did it from FB at a young age.

Hurrell?

Gale?

Decent chance if he does end up coming. Certainly in the leadership group.

Hurrell and Sutcliffe?...Jesus

Of those three, I’d rather it was Jesus...

Sutcliffe FFS for mine he shouldn't make the 17 next year unless there is injuries.