Canberra has already decided on their next captain just weeks after missing the 2024 finals series. Forward Joseph Tapine will take over from Elliott Whitehead as skipper in the nation’s capital.
Tapine, who earned his third consecutive Meninga Medal at the Raiders’ end-of-season awards, has played 193 games for the Green Machine since joining in 2016 and is a key figure in Ricky Stuart’s team.
Whitehead, who is heading to the Super League, named his former teammate as his replacement.
“I’m extremely honored to be named club captain,” Tapine said. “It’s been a major goal of mine. I want to thank Elliott and all the past captains who have been instrumental in my development as both a player and a leader.”
In other news, Brisbane star Selwyn Cobbo could be leaving the Broncos due to salary cap constraints. Although contracted for next year, Cobbo can start considering offers for 2026 starting November 1. With Brisbane feeling the pressure, he might receive a more attractive deal from another club.
Meanwhile, Reece Walsh is due for a major pay increase, and the Broncos have already secured long-term deals for Payne Haas, Ezra Mam, Patrick Carrigan, Brendan Piakura, Deine Mariner, and Jordan Riki. Mariner’s breakout year may force the Broncos to choose between Cobbo and Kotoni Staggs as one of them could fill the remaining starting centre spot, with both players coming off contract next year.
According to a NewsCorp report, Kotoni Staggs is currently earning around $700,000 per season, while Selwyn Cobbo is on $625,000. Both players are likely to command higher salaries when negotiating their next deals.
Meanwhile, Brisbane utility Tristan Sailor has signed with St Helens, veteran winger Corey Oates has not received a new contract offer, and middle forward Kobe Hetherington has been given permission to explore other opportunities despite being under contract for next year.
In another headline, dual international Mat Rogers believes Nathan Cleary is already the greatest player he has ever seen. Cleary made an impressive return from a shoulder injury in Penrith’s dominant 30-10 victory over the Roosters in the Qualifying Final. With the three-time premiers chasing a fourth consecutive title, Rogers praised Cleary’s ability to lead his team despite losing key players each year due to salary cap constraints. He noted that Penrith’s success is unprecedented in the modern era, and Cleary’s leadership and adaptability have been central to it.
On the other hand, Cronulla Sharks players have rallied around Nicho Hynes following criticism of his performance in their qualifying final loss to Melbourne. Greg Alexander suggested replacing Hynes with Daniel Atkinson for the upcoming semi-final against North Queensland. However, teammates, including Jesse Ramien, Toby Rudolf, and captain Cameron McInnes, defended Hynes, emphasizing that the entire team needs to step up, not just the halfback. They expressed confidence in Hynes’ ability to lead the Sharks and prove his doubters wrong as they prepare for their must-win game.