THE CANDIDATES FOR GOLD COAST’S NRL CAPTAINCY IN 2021
KEVIN PROCTOR
The incumbent skipper is off contract and it’s unclear if he’ll even be at the club next year, especially if he receives a lengthy suspension on a biting charge that will be heard at the NRL judiciary on Tuesday. The most logical option but at 31, the Kiwi international’s future is in doubt.
KEEGAN HIPGRAVE
The feisty backrower is a popular dressing room figure and a natural on-field leader but has struggled with injury during his career and is yet to secure a deal beyond 2020 at the Titans. A Gold Coast product, he’d be a natural successor to departing club captain Ryan James with his links to the local community.
ASH TAYLOR
The million-dollar halfback has played almost 100 NRL games for the Titans, is one of the club’s top earners and has a key on-field role but after a season in which he’s thrived outside the spotlight it would be unlikely the club would want to thrust him into a formal leadership role. Would probably prefer to stay out of the public glare.
JARROD WALLACE
A State of Origin representative and one of the most experienced players at the club, Wallace would appear an obvious candidate for the role. The 29-year-old has however struggled to hold down a regular place under Justin Holbrook in 2020 and would need to get back to his best form to be considered among leadership group.
MOEAKI FOTUAIKA
The 20-year-old is already the club’s main front-row forward and a potential mainstay at the Titans for years to come. Given his age and being in just his third season of first grade however, it would appear to be a bit early in his career to be thrust into a senior leadership role.