The England captaincy has gone round the likes of Leeds Rhinos and Wigan Warriors legends recently.
When England entered the 2008 World Cup marking the almost definitive end to Great Britain, Leeds Rhinos legend Jamie Peacock was skipper head of teammate Kevin Sinfield.
Sinfield would later replace Peacock in 2012 upon Peacock’s international retirement.
Sinfield’s followed a few years later opening the door for Sean O’Loughlin to take the reigns.
However, injuries often saw the likes of Sam Burgess lead the side.
Going into last year’s World Cup, Sam Tomkins was England skipper but his retirement created a demand for a new captain and Warrington Wolves star George Williams was appointed.
But his ban has seen Jack Welsby appointed as skipper at his home ground of St Helens’ Totally Wicked Stadium.
Now Sky Sports pundit and Leeds legend Barrie McDermott has had his say on the decision.
He said: “I think it’s a great appointment, I think it’s a little nod to the future whilst George Williams isn’t available and I think he is one of the best players in our competition so his selection is fairly, as much as you can be in an international team guaranteed.
“I think he’s a fierce competitor, I think he’s a player that can move a team around the field but he’s also got the individual skill to break a game open.”
McDermott even suggested that Welsby could be England skipper for the next decade.
The former Ireland prop said: “I think whilst he’s in the early part of his career, he’s in the early phase, I think he’s going to become a leader so giving him this tag now could be the making of him, I think he could be the captain of club and country for the next decade.”
Welsby has already played two key positions for England. He featured at stand-off at last year’s World Cup and fullback against France this year.
There has been a question over whether he would start at fullback or stand off against Tonga with Williams absent.
It does seem that Hull KR star Mikey Lewis will start at six in Williams’ absence.
