Assuming it will be handed to Liam Farrell but who would be the other candidates?

I’d anticipate, Bateman and Powell will be in the mix along with a wildcard in the leadership team Smithies.

Isa will no doubt be in the leadership group too.

Easily the biggest priority for the club is getting Smithies to sign a new deal. Like you've mentioned, he's a future captain of the club.

I’d throw in Byrne too, he’s had another strong season and seems pretty mature for his age.

Peet has some good long term options in the leadership dept.

Not for me yet.

Not saying that he couldn’t be part of that group in the future but 2022 has been a breakthrough season for him after a few years, all be it under a different regime, few years where it looked like his career could go either way.

I’d be more comfortable if he just focused on himself for the next couple of years. I think he could be an fantastic player for Wigan, but I think he just needs that time to continue to develop prior to taking on more responsibility.

Yep, just wonder how much game time Isa might get next season especially if we make further signings.

I do like the suggestion of one or two of the younger players getting the experience of being part of a leadership team.

How time flies…seems like only yesterday we were debating if the captain should be O’Loughlin or Brian Fletcher!?

Smithies - for real? He might have improved as a player this last season but to be leadership material he would need to curb a lot of his winding up and temper tantrums. The number of times he gets into the faces of opponents during the tackle (and often leads with his head) is ridiculous for someone to be considered as leadership material.