Magnificent 7: which one will be Wests Tigers captain in 2016?

OK, Wests Tigers fans, let the guessing games begin: who will be named club captain in 2016.

This week the club appointed no fewer than seven senior players to its leadership group for the 2016  NRL season.

Fans may say that too many chiefs spoil the broth, but it gets even trickier when you realise that one of the magnificent 7 is someone who until recently looked set to be playing reserve grade or at another club  in 2016 – Robbie Farah.

The club said in a media release  that the leadership group will consist of Matt Ballin, Robbie Farah, Dene Halatau, Chris Lawrence, Sauaso Sue, James Tedesco and Aaron Woods.

A source very, very close to the Wests Tigers has confirmed to the South West Voice that the club will also soon appoint an old fashioned captain – that is one individual.

It would be reasonable to assume it will be one of the gang of seven, but if it’s Robbie Farah it will be the biggest comeback since Lazarus, so don’t put your money on it.

Meanwhile, new Wests Tigers CEO Justin Pascoe congratulated the seven on their appointment.

“On behalf of everyone at Wests Tigers I would like to congratulate the seven players on their appointment to our leadership group,” Pascoe said.

“It’s great to have a mix of youth and experience in our leadership group and I look forward to working closely with this group over the coming year.

“I’d also like to take this opportunity to address the considerable speculation and discussion about Robbie Farah’s future with Wests Tigers,” he said. “I am pleased to confirm that Robbie Farah and head coach Jason Taylor have committed to working together to drive greater success for Wests Tigers in 2016.

[social_quote duplicate=”no” align=”default”]“On behalf of the club I want to apologise to our loyal Wests Tigers members and supporters for allowing this to be played out publicly.[/social_quote]

“I am proud of the way that Jason, Robbie and the whole playing group have now embraced a new leadership approach that our new appointee Shane McCurry has introduced.”

Jason Taylor echoed Pascoe’s sentiments regarding the new leadership group.

“All seven players exhibit great qualities that are an asset to Wests Tigers,” the coach said.

“I look forward to seeing them develop as a leadership group over the coming year as we look to build a successful Wests Tigers for the future.

“In regards to my relationship with Robbie we both have a commitment to this club and helping Wests Tigers be a power in the NRL,” he said. “Both Robbie and I have had some really positive private conversations and we’re both committed to the success of the club in 2016 and beyond and we are also clear as to what we need to do to drive that success.”

Pascoe said: “I also want to acknowledge that the public nature of the contractual discussions have exposed Robbie to unwanted publicity.”

Robbie Farah said that he was looking forward to putting the speculation behind him and being fully focused on the season ahead.

[social_quote duplicate=”no” align=”default”]”I am now simply just wanting to continue doing what I have always done, training as hard as I can so that I can perform to the best of my ability for the fans, members, teammates and club,” Farah said.[/social_quote]

“This club, the playing group and fans mean everything to me and I want to be around for what I think is going to be an exciting time for Wests Tigers.

“I’m also keen to work closely with Matt, Dene, Chris, Sauaso, James and Aaron as a part of the leadership group over the coming year.

“We all bring unique experiences to the group and will be able to have a positive impact on our teammates and the club as a whole,” he said.