Would certainly mean they bought in to the decision, but I'd suggest the coaching staff are the best places to make the decision - being that one step removed, and having oversight of each individuals influence on their team mates puts them in the best position to decide who's the right person. It shouldn't be a popularity contest, which if it was purely the players decision, it would be influenced by popularity.

From the outside I would worry that Ward has enough on his plate without being burdoned with the full on captaincy just yet. A bit left field but isn't Jones-Buchanan deserving of a shot ala McGuire? Questions were raised concerning Danny's petulant streak but in the end he managed to get through it without quite nutting anyone although came close to blotting his copy book after the Watts late challenge last week.

Is this not a bit of a red herring in sports these days. Ideally you want a number of players to have the characteristics as leaders. Who actually gets the armband should be less relevant. We have been successful because of what the core group bring.

Having only had Mags for 2 years after Sir Kev I think we need someone who could be captain for a few years, which would probably (?!!?!!) rule JJB out. I think Watkins would be a decent skipper - I think he's really come on as a leader in the team in the last two seasons and he barely misses a game (fingers crossed).

So, who's going to be our new captain for 2018?

Either Ward or Watkins I think. I don't believe either have returned to training just yet (definitely the latter hasn't) so will probably be announced when they do so they can do some media with the generic quotes "honoured to captain this great club" "proud to follow in the footsteps of Kev and Danny" etc. etc.

Possible Options:-

Watkins - seems favorite based on last season, however, he doesn't appear a captain to me.
Moon - unlikely.
Myler - unlikely.
Parcel - possible although would need to be confident he would stick around.
Cuthbertson - similar to Parcel.
Ablett - could be used as a 1-2 yr captain until someone else is ready.
Ward - my pick but possibly too injury prone?
JJB - similar to Ablett.
Singleton - a move in the hope of progressing his ability?

Watkins is being used is at the front of the handbook. He was used for the Home shirt reveal. He has been the front of everything.

He also captained the team in one game last season. I think it he has it already and I’m happy with that.

Wouldn’t mind a leadership group of Watkins, Ward, Sutcliffe, Singleton, Golding, Myler.

Ward returned on 18/12. Watkins due back next Tuesday.

To play devil's advocate, the marketing department will not be privy to the internal decisions of next year's captaincy. You would imagine Watkins is the face of the club's marketing because he is an England international, a well established 'star' whose talent when harnessed/channelled correctly saw him selected as one of the two best centres in world rugby league*.

Not to mention, he's a good looking lad, appears to be well-grounded/professional so ticks practically all of the marketing departments tick boxes.

*according to the WC team of the tournament.

Thinking the same.

Personally would prefer Ward but don't mind Watkins.

Another vote for Stevie Ward

Stevie for me. Everything about him is class and when you look at the adversity he's been through - he knows the ups and downs that players will go through. Watkins as vice captain

I would be happy with Stevie Ward if he wants the role at this point, he may want to concentrate on his own game and get an (largely) injury free season in. Kallum is another good shout and I would be happy with Cuthbo as well. Genuine desire for the role from any of these would be the only prerequisite I'd want in place.