Three Super League stars who could be future England captains

With the international calendar shaped, we’ve assessed which current Super League stars could take on the England captaincy in the future.

Many fans agree that international rugby league is the best form of rugby league, however, the big criticism has been that we do not get enough at the high level.

In recent seasons, friendlies against France were all that England fans could look forward to but the past three off-seasons have seen a World Cup, a series against Tonga and a series against Samoa.

However, 2025 looks set to be the biggest year yet with an Ashes series against Australia confirmed as preparation for England heading Down Under to partake in the 2026 World Cup.

It’s widely expected that current captain George Williams will be the leader for the foreseeable future with the Warrington Wolves star being one of the best in the business and handling himself astutely in the role.

England’s half-back will almost certainly lead England Down Under in 2026 but would be 36 for the 2030 World Cup. We’ve picked out three current Super League stars who could be in line for the armband when the role becomes vacant.

Super League stars who could be future England captains

Jack Welsby

We’re cheating a little bit on this one considering that the St Helens full-back has skippered England twice already – deputising for the first two games of the 2023 series against Tonga whilst George Williams was suspended.

Welsby will turn 24 in March and is expected to hold the number one shirt for the best part of the next decade so it was an obvious call for Shaun Wane and one that he could make again in the future.

Danny Walker

Walker is in a brilliant position to develop as a future captain, playing alongside current England skipper George Williams as well as senior players such as Stefan Ratchford. He had developed under Daryl Clark, another strong leader and after establishing himself as the best number nine in Super League – Walker could continue to progress in the national team.

Harry Smith

Smith is another young player who looks certain to be involved in the national team set up for quite some time. He will turn 25 in January and has shown an ability to perform on the biggest stage. In 2023 he was one vote shy of Man of the Match at the Grand Final before being crowned Player of the Series against Tonga. Already part of Wigan Warriors’ leadership group, he could be a candidate to take over from Liam Farrell at club level and George Williams at international level.