Who will be Warrington Wolves captain in 2023?

Upon arriving at the club last year, Powell elected to stick rather than twist and retain Jack Hughes as the club’s skipper.

With the second rower having now left the club upon the expiry of his contract, however, the head coach must now select another player to lead The Wire on the field.

Here, we assess a few of the potential options…

STEFAN RATCHFORD

The club’s defacto vice-captain for the past couple of years will no doubt be in the conversation to take the job full-time in 2023.

With Hughes’ season being ended very early by a dislocated shoulder suffered on Easter Monday, Ratchford took on the captaincy whenever he was available.

What may work against him, however, is whether or not he will be an automatic first-choice in any of his preferred positions – Matt Dufty will be in situ at full-back while the club are still keen to add a half-back to their squad.

Stefan Ratchford captained The Wire in Jack Hughes' absence in 2022. Picture by Mike Boden (Image: Mike Boden)

GEORGE WILLIAMS

Another who captained the club at times during 2022 and recently led England in their World Cup warm-up match against Fiji.

When fit, Williams will surely be among the first names on the teamsheet as the club’s marquee half-back so making him captain would certainly make sense in that respect.

However, Powell may feel he already has enough responsibility within the team without adding any more.

George Williams has captained both Warrington and England. Picture by Mike Boden (Image: Mike Boden)

JOSH MCGUIRE

The incoming new signing has already been name-checked by Powell as someone he expects to drive standards and lead within the group.

With more than 250 NRL appearances under his belt and having played at the very highest representative level, he would certainly command the level of respect the captaincy requires.

On the other hand, parachuting a new signing in as captain is rarely done and McGuire may feel he needs to fully settle in first before taking on official responsibility.

Josh McGuire. Picture by SWPix.com (Image: SWPix.com)

BEN CURRIE

Another who is likely to be on the teamsheet when fit and alongside Ratchford, he is the club’s longest-serving player.

The second rower is also celebrating his Testimonial year in 2023 and has spoken in the past of his desire to take on leadership roles within the team.

He has featured within leadership groups during his time at the club, so will he be given the top job?

2023 will be Ben Currie's Testimonial year. Picture by Mike Boden (Image: Mike Boden)

PAUL VAUGHAN

Like McGuire, Vaughan may feel the need to settle into the squad takes precedence before accepting any leadership role.

However, a man of his experience would be a solid choice for the captaincy.

With more than 200 NRL appearances to his name as well as international caps and State of Origin appearances, he certainly would bring plenty to the role.

Paul Vaughan. Picture by SWPix.com (Image: SWPix.com)