Chris Sandow has put his hand up for the Eels captaincy, and to be honest I don't think it's a bad idea.
Since our last captaincy discussion where Anthony Watmough was almost universally touted as the best choice, it's been suggested to me that Watmough is not particularly interested in the captaincy and he's happy to offer up his leadership as one of the team's senior players. If correct, I'm guessing he's not keen on all the additional off-field responsibilities that come with the captaincy.
Clearly, Sandow performed well with the captaincy. I would say maybe it caused him to take too much responsibility for the team's success, and at time he overplayed his hand. But he was certainly trying and he's obviously a pretty popular player. I know when Peter Nolan recruited Sandow, one of the things he talked up was Sandow's infectious enthusiasm.
I don't know if Sandow is the best candidate if you look at it from an individual basis, but I do think there is a strong possibility that it could be the best thing from a team point of view. I think it will keep Sandow focused and help him to grow his game as a leader and organiser. I think BA can use it as a psychological leverage that he has to get some consistency around his performances. And it might even be a useful bargaining tool as the club seeks to retain Sandow without blowing the budget.
From a position point of view, we know Sandow is going to start in every game he is fit. He's not likely to be lost to Origin and as halfback he is always around the ruck and in a good position to talk to the referee and rally his troops. It will help him grow his communication skills and teach him to take on more responsibility.
If Kieran Foran is coming here and we're looking for a one-year leader, Sandow has now emerged as my preferred option if he's willing to take it on that basis. He could drop into a vice-captain role for the following year, which would give us two senior and stable halves.
It's certainly now a consideration...
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He seemed to take ownership of the leadership role whilst still sticking to his guns and playing a natural game. I quite enjoyed his captaincy in the Nines and if Watmough doesn't want it, then I'd certainly consider Sandow as captain.
No I do not agree as Sandow goes missing when the chips are down and you need someone who is cool unde pressure and leads by example, so in saying that I would say if Mannah does not retain the c next to his name that would only leave Watmough or Hoppa for that position.
Nathan PEATS by a mile. Hard nosed , leads by example , has respect of his team mates and would go to another level.
Peats would be my first choice, depending on if BA plans to use him as an 80min player.
Agree bit time but cant see it happening.I cant see BA giving him the responsibility while coming back from a serious injury
I think the extra responsibility would be the absolute making of him.
In saying that i want a Captain for the next few years so if they arent going to resign him then dont give it to him
Sandow's recent cheats call towards a referee although forgiven, may still be in the back of a few official's minds, as well as his brain explosion early in the nines semi final, both point towards his own agenda in front of the teams.
There's no I in TEAM.
Not a bad idea but the brain explosion he had in the nines semi have to go for him to be even considered as captain.
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