With stand-in captain Kruise Leeming unsure of his role in 2023, the race to become Leeds Rhinos' skipper is hotter than ever. The hooker spoke to Rugby League Live earlier in the month as he put on record his desire to continue the leadership role, but it is ultimately a decision out of his hands.
With an announcement still yet to be made, here are three options Rohan Smith could go with if he chooses not to pursue Leeming in a permanent role.
Cameron Smith
If you're looking at a long-term leader in the middle, Cameron Smith is the most likely candidate. After penning a new deal until the end of 2026 and being given the prestigious number 13 shirt, the hometown kid could be the perfect choice to lead the Rhinos. It's astonishing to think he's made over 100 appearances for his club at the age of just 24. A player who bleeds blue and yellow, it's hard to ever to imagine him in any other colours, so Rohan Smith would know his captain is going to be sticking around for the long haul. He still faces competition for the armband, but gaining the captaincy would be Smith's biggest achievement for the club he loves.
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Richie Myler
A left-field call, but playing behind the other 12 on the pitch, Myler has the vision and composure to guide his team around the park. Any fullback has a leadership role in a way, especially when defending. Myler has been around the block now and will seemingly be the Rhinos' number one again in 2023. For this to happen, it all depends on how long Smith thinks the Irish star has left in his locker. At 32, he's not getting any younger, but there are not many better leaders if Leeds want a quick fix.
Ash Handley
Like Cameron Smith, Ash Handley is Leeds through and through, and his appointment would be popular with the Rhinos faithful. Although he seems to have been around forever, the blistering winger is still only 26 and getting better each season. The blunt fact is you don't get many wingers who are given the captaincy, but he still has to be in the mix. A key cog in the Rhinos wheel, Handley could take his game to the next level if handed the captaincy by Rohan Smith.
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