Let's not panic and presume things, this doesn't mean he will play 80 minutes, I'd be amazed if he did, if he does I'd expect him to move to 13 and Balmforth play 9.

Not sure we have great options to be captain as it it stands, no one really stands out. He certainly leads by example on amd off the field, still think he starts at in our current squad, until we can at least test the likes of Balmforth.

Surprised Houghton has been re appointed but as we've all discussed, we don't seem to have any stand out candidates.

Thought Ese'ese might have been selected personally with the way he was talked up in a few articles.

Agreed it's a surprise, for me regardless of the good service Houghton has given the club it would seem a backwards step particularly as its his last year before retirement. I'd have thought it would have been an ideal opportunity for a complete fresh start and look to the future by appointing some one like Ese ese. That said it may be that there are no real candidates for the role which if so would be a concern in terms of leadership within the group.

The cynical part of me see's this as more of a sentimental move more than anything.

We've lacked leaders since Ellis retired. That's one reason why we have been so poor in recent years.

As you say there doesn't seem to be any stand out candidates which is a concern.

I think Danny is the right choice most professional player we've got and a leader too. I think Brown will be 7 all season with Houghton/Smith/Balmforth sharing the hooking role.

The risk with an overseas appointment in the first season is that they already have alot on adapting life in a different country and should they get homesick it would be a disaster.

We know we are work in progress and im sure next season we will know better in 2025, Ive always thought the 2025 season will be the one where we would see of Smith has really turned the club around in an upwards direction.

Houghton will be suffice for the season.

I think people read far too much into who is captain. It's just someone to talk to the ref. If there are leaders in the squad they'll step up and take responsibility regardless of if they have a label or not.
If there are aren't any leaders in the squad then it doesn't really matter too much who is captain anyway.

imo giving the captaincy to Houghton is out of sentimentality, last season as a pro, wouldnt have been my choice, but hey ho i aint the coach!

Surprised at both the appointments. But as I often say we don't know what's said behind closed doors. More surprised with fash as might not even be in the 17 to start with . But the proof is in the pudding let's see how it goes

I'd doubt Smith will be giving out the captaincy with sentiment at thought. He will have given it because he thinks rightly or wrongly he is the best person for the job.

Smith's reputation and potential job is on the line this season, he has to make the right decisions.