Host of NRL stars selected to step up and lead their nations
A host of NRL stars have been handed the honour of captaining their countries at this year’s Rugby League World Cup, with their teams looking to their experience to help guide them in what is expected to be the most competitive tournament in recent history.
While nations such hosts England with Sam Tomkins, Wales with Elliot Kear, France with Benjamin Garcia and the number one ranked team in the world at the moment New Zealand with Jesse Bromwich have opted for their 'elder statesmen' to lead them out, others like Lebanon have put their trust in emerging leaders, with Mitch Moses selected to have the (c) by his name.
“I got so much playing for Lebanon in the last World Cup, I know how much it means to the boys to be representing Lebanon, and putting this jersey on, it means a lot to me and my family, so I am very excited for the challenge to come," the Parramatta Eels halfback said of being part of the squad while at the Rugby League World Cup 2021 media launch.
“Obviously, Lebanon have been going through a tough time at the moment back home, so if we can make them proud and represent them on a world stage, hopefully we can do that."
Fiji and Tonga have gone for the best of both worlds, with Siosiua Taukeiaho stepping up to be co-captain alongside Jason Taumalolo for the Mate Ma’a Tonga side, while premiership winner Viliame Kikau, who was vice captain in the Pacific Test, will help lead the Bati with the experienced Kevin Naiqama.
Cook Islands were captained by Esan Marsters in the Pacific Test earlier this year and have plenty of experienced played in their World Cup squad to help guide the younger generation, including co-captain Brad Takairangi.
Papua New Guinea were led out by Wartovo Puara during the recent Prime Minister’s 13 match at Suncorp Stadium, with Rhyse Martin to again take over the duties for the competition starting later this week. Martin has filled the role previously for now retired David Mead.
Current title holders Australia have had a complete overhaul of their leadership team, with Sydney Roosters and New South Wales skipper James Tedesco announced as Australia’s 70th captain at Test and World Cup level last week.
During the last World Cup in 2017, Tedesco was vice-captain of Italy, serving as deputy to Mark Minichiello. In naming him Kangaroos captain, coach Mal Meninga said Tedesco was "the premier player".
“It was pretty straight forward,” Meninga said.
"I thought he was an outstanding candidate. He also captains his club and captains his state.”
Tedesco and Meninga relive captaincy call
Parramatta Eels grand final forward Nathan Brown will join his halfback team-mate Moses in captaining his nation and will lead Italy in this campaign.
Brown first played for the Azzuri in 2017 and will be supported by Keighley Cougars forward Brenden Santi.
Another Eel in Junior Paulo will have the honour of leading his nation, taking over from Frank ‘the Tank’ Pritchard who was with Parramatta when he was leading Samoa in the 2017 tournament played across Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea.
Greece are making their Rugby League World Cup debut this year and will be led by Jordan Meads, while Jamaica have also qualified for their first tournament and Ashton Golding will captain the Reggae Warriors for their historic showing.
With many of their more experienced players who were part of their last World Cup campaign having retired, both Scotland and Ireland have new skippers for this tournament, the Bravehearts have called on Dewsbury Rams forward Dale Ferguson, while the Wolfhounds have named George King for the role.
