Picking the FIVE best captains in 2025

While every NRL squad needs a solid head coach to succeed, for many clubs, it's the leaders on the field that win games. A true leader must show grit, determination and courage, traits that NRL greats such as Cameron Smith, Darren Lockyer, Steve Price and more showcase. With many NRL clubs announcing a new captain to steer their respective ships this offseason, we have a look at which skipper is truly ready to steer their side toward premiership glory. Daly Cherry-Evans (Manly Sea Eagles) A true professional, 'DCE' has aged like wine throughout his NRL career. The 35-year-old halfback has captained his club and his state for years, regardless of his coach at the time. Cherry-Evans' soft-spoken demeanor and high footy IQ have landed him in any mentorship roles, garnering respect from his teammates, opposition, and match officials. Cherry-Evans is looking to win his second premiership with Manly in 2025. While his side has a plethora of star power in players such as Tom Trbojevic and Haumole Olakau'atu, it will be their skipper's level head and keen rugby league sense that leads them to the promised land. [caption id="attachment_103043" align="alignnone" width="2560"] GOSFORD, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 09: Daly Cherry-Evans celebrates his field goal and the win with team mates during the round five NRL match between the New Zealand Warriors and the Manly Sea Eagles at Central Coast Stadium, on April 09, 2021, in Gosford, Australia. (Photo by Ashley Feder/Getty Images)[/caption] Stephen Crichton Just 12 months ago, the idea of a 23-year-old centre leading a below-par Bulldogs outfit was laughable. Many critics expressed their doubts about Crichton's leadership ability, considering he had never captained a side before. However, after leading the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs to their first finals series in close to a decade and claiming the 2024 Captain of the Year award, it's safe to say those doubters have been silenced. Crichton recently expressed to Channel Nine his struggles, admitting he thinks he "lost [himself] trying to be someone [he] wasn't." While valid concerns, not too many fans would have known, considering the spark he brought to his squad whenever he stepped on the pitch. His energy was contagious, constantly barking orders across the field to ensure his teammates were on the same page. With his first year under his belt, the 24-year-old superstar looks set to have a long and successful leadership reign. [caption id="attachment_206183" align="alignnone" width="1024"] SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 15: Stephen Crichton looks on during the NRL Pre-season challenge match between Canterbury Bulldogs and Melbourne Storm at Belmore Sports Ground on February 15, 2024 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images)[/caption] Isaah Yeo (Penrith Panthers) Speaking of Captain of the Year winners, another recent one looking to claim his next this season is Isaah Yeo. Five straight grand finals and four straight premierships have seen Yeo go from bench utility to all-time great. The 30-year-old lock has transcended his position over the years, showcasing ball-playing skills that would be expected from a halfback. While his elite offensive talent and determination on defence are tremendous aspects of his game, perhaps his greatest skill is his leadership. Yeo fights tooth and nail whenever he steps on the pitch, be it a grand final or a trial match. His hard-nosed attitude has pulled the Panthers out of many sticky situations, putting his body on the line regardless of who is in front of him. While his co-captain Nathan Cleary is looking to be one of the greatest footballers of all time, Yeo's inspirational leadership is what powers this Penrith engine. [caption id="attachment_214783" align="alignnone" width="2560"] CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 24: Isaah Yeo of the Panthers in action during the round 25 NRL match between Canberra Raiders and Penrith Panthers at GIO Stadium, on August 24, 2024, in Canberra, Australia. (Photo by Mark Nolan/Getty Images)[/caption] Joseph Tapine (Canberra Raiders) One of the newer skippers on the block, Joseph Tapine, was ready to be a captain well before his appointment. The Kiwi international epitomises effort and determination, qualities that Raiders coach Ricky Stuart treasures above all else. Tapine has been a force to be reckoned with for years, and with former captains Jarrod Croker and Elliot Whitehead departing the club over the last two seasons, 2025 looks to be the prop's chance to showcase his leadership. The 30-year-old has won three consecutive Mal Meninga Medals, being recognised as the club's best player year in and year out. While he will be new to the official captaincy role, Tapine's consistency over his 293 games for the Raiders has earned him a level of respect amongst his playing group that most veteran captains aspire to have. [caption id="attachment_119623" align="alignnone" width="2560"] TOWNSVILLE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 19: Joseph Tapine of the Raiders looks on before the round two NRL match between the North Queensland Cowboys and the Canberra Raiders at Qld Country Bank Stadium, on March 19, 2022, in Townsville, Australia. (Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images)[/caption] Harry Grant (Melbourne Storm) The last great captain to wear the number nine for the Storm was Cameron Smith. Pretty big shoes to follow for just about any rugby league player, let alone a 26-year-old. However, Harry Grant is no ordinary rugby league player and has made the skipper role his own in the Purple and Black. Grant has showcased a high level of class well before captaining the Storm. His leadership was evident at a young age, particularly when he was loaned to the Wests Tigers for a year and really solidified himself as a premium hooker. He has only grown into the role since, very rarely blowing up and always keeping a level head. His calm and patience have helped him excel both on the field and off, with his coach and teammates commending him for his locker room presence since claiming the captain's badge. [caption id="attachment_214782" align="alignnone" width="2560"] MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 27: Harry Grant of the Storm celebrates winning the NRL Preliminary Final match between the Melbourne Storm and Sydney Roosters at AAMI Park on September 27, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)[/caption]