Who Should Captain the Dragons in 2025?
As the St George Illawarra Dragons enter the 2025 season, they face a significant decision regarding their leadership, with Ben Hunt’s departure marking the end of an era. New head coach Shane Flanagan will have the difficult task of selecting a new captain to lead the team into the next phase of their rebuild. While it’s unlikely the decision will be made until January, after the full squad assembles for pre-season training, there are already clear frontrunners for the role. With Flanagan’s focus on bringing in experienced players to help guide the team, the captaincy will almost certainly be handed to one of the new recruits, particularly Clint Gutherson or Damien Cook, who both bring a wealth of leadership experience to the table.
The Need for Leadership
The Dragons have gone through a period of transition, with key players leaving and a new coaching staff taking charge. With Ben Hunt, a player who carried the team’s leadership responsibilities for years, now moving on, the club finds itself at a crossroads. The captaincy will need to be someone who can unite the squad, drive performance, and set the right example both on and off the field.
Shane Flanagan has already made it clear that experience will be a priority in the Dragons’ recruitment strategy. This is particularly evident in the signings of Clint Gutherson and Damien Cook—two players who not only excel in their positions but also bring a level of maturity and leadership that could be invaluable in the team’s future.
Clint Gutherson: A Proven Leader
Clint Gutherson, the Parramatta Eels captain, has established himself as one of the most reliable and respected leaders in the NRL. The “King Gutho” nickname is a testament to his commitment and passion for the game, as well as his influence in guiding Parramatta through both high-pressure moments and challenging seasons. Gutherson has led the Eels to multiple finals series and has always been a vocal and motivating figure on the field. His leadership qualities are undisputed, with a clear ability to inspire his teammates and hold them accountable.
Gutherson’s calm yet assertive presence would bring a much-needed stability to the Dragons, who have at times struggled with consistency and direction. His ability to organize the attack from the fullback position and make crucial defensive plays would be a huge asset to the team. With his wealth of experience in leading a top-tier NRL team, Gutherson could provide the steady hand that the Dragons need to push forward in 2025.
Damien Cook: A Natural Leader
Another strong candidate for the captaincy is Damien Cook, the South Sydney Rabbitohs hooker and a player who has long been a leader at the club. While Cook was not the official captain for Souths in 2024 (with Cameron Murray taking on the role), Cook’s influence within the leadership group is significant. He captained the Prime Minister’s XIII side earlier this year, showcasing his ability to lead both in representative football and at the club level. Known for his quick thinking and sharp decision-making on the field, Cook is a dynamic player whose leadership comes not just from words but from his actions in the heat of battle.
As the Dragons’ new hooker, Cook’s speed, experience, and ability to direct the team around the park would make him an ideal candidate for the captaincy. His leadership style, built on trust and respect, could help forge a more unified and cohesive squad, especially in key moments during matches. Cook has proven to be a big-game player, and his influence in crucial situations could have a similar impact on the Dragons as they aim for more consistent performances in 2025.
Other Potential Candidates
While Gutherson and Cook stand out as the primary contenders, there are other experienced players in the squad who may also vie for the captaincy. Players like Zach Lomax, who has been with the club for several years and is a regular fixture in the backline, and Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, who could be a surprise pick given his leadership experience with the Queensland State of Origin team, could also be considered.
However, it’s likely that Flanagan will opt for a leader with a proven track record at the NRL level, especially one who can offer a fresh perspective as the Dragons move on from the Ben Hunt era.
The Call Shane Flanagan Must Make
For Flanagan, the decision will be pivotal. The captaincy not only reflects the leadership within the squad but also sets the tone for the entire team moving forward. With the Dragons looking to rebuild and make a serious push for the top eight in 2025, the right captain could help unlock the full potential of the squad.
While the final decision is yet to be made, it’s clear that the Dragons will need someone who can unite the team, inspire confidence, and lead by example. Whether it’s Clint Gutherson or Damien Cook, the next captain of the Dragons will be stepping into big shoes, but they will also have the support of a club eager to turn a new page and build for success.
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