Rohan Smith explains why Leeds Rhinos won't have one specific captain in 2023

07 February 2023 , 14:32

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Leeds Rhinos boss Rohan Smith (Richard Sellers/PA Wire) (Image: PA)

Boss Rohan Smith says Leeds Rhinos won’t have one dedicated captain in 2023, insisting: “No one person is more important than another.”

There has been much speculation about who would be the Super League club’s skipper given even incumbent Kruise Leeming admitted he didn’t know if he’d be carrying on this season. But, with the kick-off against Warrington now just nine days away, last year’s beaten Grand Finalists have clarified their position. Australian Smith, who transformed Leeds’ credentials after being appointed in April, revealed: “We will not have one specific captain just as we finished last season.

“In the final months of the season, Kruise Leeming, Cameron Smith, Mikolaj Oledzki and Ash Handley were each matchday captain at various times. We are in a fortunate position to have a young and talented squad with many players who possess some of the typical characteristics you would look for in a captain. We have experienced players in key positions within the team who show leadership every time they step onto the field. The challenge is to develop that leadership across the squad.”

It is an unusual stance but Smith looked to explain his decision in a statement made by the club who have boasted legendary captains previously like the iconic Kevin Sinfield. He continued: “I have always spoken about our team collectively reaching our potential rather than individuals. Likewise, just looking at our club’s history, there have been many examples of great leaders within Leeds teams who have not been captain.

“We are looking to develop both for the sake of the team not just this season but for the years ahead. I have been proud this off-season to see how our players have supported each other whether that is experienced guys mentoring young players or the guys who have been around the first team squad for a couple of years helping our first years.

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“We have also been able to share the workload of the captaincy across the squad during the close season. We want everyone to see themselves as a leader to someone and to focus on each individual game. No one person is more important than another.”

David Craven