Alright, footy fans—let’s cut to the chase. You’re here because you want the full rundown on who’s leading each NRL club into battle this season. Whether you’re a die-hard Roosters supporter keeping tabs on James Tedesco, a new fan trying to figure out who calls the shots at your team, or a grassroots player looking to understand what makes a great captain, this checklist has you covered.

By the end of this article, you’ll have a complete, practical guide to every NRL club captain for the current season, plus the inside word on what makes each leader tick. No fluff, no guesswork—just the facts you need to impress your mates at the pub or during the pre-game banter.

Let’s dive in.

What You’ll Need Before You Start

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, here’s what you’ll want handy:

A reliable source for the latest NRL draw and team lists – The official NRL website or your club’s page (like the Sydney Roosters’ site) will have the most up-to-date captaincy announcements.
A basic understanding of NRL positions – Knowing your fullbacks from your halves helps, but it’s not essential. We’ll keep it simple.
A willingness to learn a bit of club history – Some captains have been around for years; others are fresh faces. A little context goes a long way.
Your phone or a notebook – You’ll want to jot down a few names and notes, especially if you’re a coach or parent helping young players understand leadership.

Step 1: Start with the Big Names – The Sydney Roosters

Let’s kick things off with the club you’re here for: the Sydney Roosters. The Chooks have a proud tradition of strong leadership, and this season is no different.

Captain: James Tedesco

Tedesco, or “Teddy” as the Bondi faithful call him, is the man with the armband. He’s been the Roosters’ skipper for several seasons, taking over from Boyd Cordner. Teddy’s a fullback by trade, but his leadership goes way beyond his position. He leads from the front—literally. You’ll see him organising the defensive line, talking to the referees, and lifting the boys when the game gets tight.

Co-Captain: Luke Keary

Alongside Tedesco, we’ve got Luke Keary. Keary’s the calm head in the halves, the bloke who steers the ship in attack. He’s been at the Roosters for several seasons and has multiple NRL Premierships to his name. Together, Teddy and Keary form a leadership duo that’s as balanced as they come—one’s the explosive leader, the other’s the steady hand.

Quick Tip: If you’re watching a Roosters game at Allianz Stadium, keep an eye on how Tedesco communicates with the team during stoppages. That’s leadership in action.

Step 2: Work Through the Other NRL Clubs (Including a Few Surprises)

Now that we’ve covered the Roosters, let’s run through the rest of the competition. I’ll give you the captain, their club, and a little flavour for each.

Penrith Panthers – Isaah Yeo

Yeo’s been the Panthers’ skipper for several seasons, and he’s a lock forward who does the dirty work. He’s not flashy, but he’s the glue that holds the team together. Multiple NRL Grand Final appearances tell you everything you need to know about his leadership.

Melbourne Storm – Harry Grant

Grant’s a hooker who took over from the legendary Cameron Smith. Big shoes to fill, but Harry’s done it with style. He’s aggressive, smart, and leads by example. The Storm are always contenders, and Grant’s a big reason why.

Brisbane Broncos – Adam Reynolds

Reynolds is a veteran halfback who came to Brisbane from South Sydney. He’s a premiership winner and brings a cool head to a young Broncos side. His kicking game is elite—watch for it in tight matches.

South Sydney Rabbitohs – Cameron Murray

Murray’s a lock forward and a local junior. He’s been captain for several seasons, and he’s the heart and soul of the Bunnies. He’s not the loudest bloke on the field, but his work rate is off the charts.

Parramatta Eels – Clint Gutherson

“Gutho” is a fullback who wears his heart on his sleeve. He’s been the Eels’ captain for several seasons, and he’s the kind of player who’ll chase a kick downfield like his life depends on it. Parra fans love him for a reason.

Cronulla Sharks – Dale Finucane

Finucane’s a tough-as-nails lock who came to Cronulla from Melbourne. He’s a no-nonsense leader who sets the standard in defence. If the Sharks are winning the physical battle, Finucane’s usually at the centre of it.

Manly Warringah Sea Eagles – Daly Cherry-Evans

DCE is one of the most experienced captains in the NRL. He’s been the Sea Eagles’ skipper for many seasons, and he’s a halfback who can win a game on his own. His short kicking game is lethal.

North Queensland Cowboys – Chad Townsend

Townsend’s a veteran halfback who’s been around the block. He took over the Cowboys’ captaincy in recent seasons and brings a calm, experienced voice to a young side. He’s not the flashiest, but he gets the job done.

Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs – Reed Mahoney

Mahoney’s a hooker who joined the Bulldogs from Parramatta in recent seasons. He’s a fiery leader who’s not afraid to get in the face of opponents or referees. The Dogs are rebuilding, and Mahoney’s the kind of player you want leading that charge.

New Zealand Warriors – Tohu Harris

Harris is a lock forward and a Kiwi international. He’s been the Warriors’ captain for several seasons, and he’s a quiet leader who does his talking on the field. The Warriors have been on the rise, and Harris is a big part of that.

Wests Tigers – Apisai Koroisau

“Api” is a hooker who joined the Tigers from Penrith in recent seasons. He’s a multiple NRL Premiership winner and brings a winning mentality to a club that’s been struggling. He’s quick, clever, and leads from dummy half.

St George Illawarra Dragons – Ben Hunt

Hunt’s a halfback who’s been the Dragons’ captain for several seasons. He’s one of the best playmakers in the game, but he’s had to carry a struggling side. If the Dragons turn things around, Hunt will be the reason.

Canberra Raiders – Elliott Whitehead

Whitehead’s a back-rower and an English international. He’s been the Raiders’ captain for several seasons, and he’s a workhorse who leads by example. He’s not flashy, but he’s reliable.

Newcastle Knights – Jayden Brailey

Brailey’s a hooker who took over the captaincy in recent seasons. He’s a local junior and a tough defender. The Knights have been inconsistent, but Brailey’s leadership is a bright spot.

Dolphins – Jesse Bromwich

Bromwich is a veteran prop who joined the Dolphins from Melbourne in recent seasons. He’s the captain of the NRL’s newest club, and he brings a wealth of experience. He’s the perfect leader for a team finding its feet.

Step 3: Understand What Makes a Great NRL Captain

Now that you’ve got the list, let’s talk about what separates a good captain from a great one. This is gold for grassroots players, coaches, and parents.

Leadership on the field: A captain needs to communicate constantly. You’ll see Tedesco barking orders from fullback, Grant directing the ruck, and Yeo organising the defensive line. It’s not just about being the best player—it’s about making everyone around you better.

Off-field responsibilities: Captains are the link between the coach and the players. They handle media duties, represent the club in the community, and set the standard at training. Trent Robinson, the Roosters’ coach, often talks about how Tedesco and Keary help drive the culture at Bondi.

Handling pressure: In big games—like an NRL Grand Final—the captain needs to stay calm. Think of Tedesco’s performance in a Grand Final, where he scored a try and set up another. That’s leadership under the brightest lights.

Common mistake: Some players think being captain means being the loudest. It doesn’t. Look at Yeo or Harris—they lead through actions, not words. If you’re coaching a junior side, remind your young leaders that consistency matters more than volume.

Step 4: Check Your Knowledge with a Quick Quiz

Here’s a fun way to test yourself (or your kids, if you’re a parent coaching a local team):

Who’s the co-captain of the Sydney Roosters alongside James Tedesco?
Which club has the longest-serving current captain?
Name two captains who play hooker.
Which captain has multiple NRL Premierships as a player?

Answers: 1. Luke Keary. 2. Daly Cherry-Evans (Manly, for many seasons). 3. Harry Grant (Storm) and Apisai Koroisau (Tigers). 4. Adam Reynolds (with Souths) or Apisai Koroisau (with Penrith).

Step 5: Use This List for Your Own Footy Journey

Whether you’re a player, coach, or fan, this list is more than just names. Here’s how to make it practical:

For players: Pick a captain who plays your position and study their game. If you’re a fullback, watch Tedesco’s communication. If you’re a halfback, study Keary’s game management.
For coaches: Use these captains as examples when teaching leadership. Talk about how Yeo leads through work rate, or how Grant leads through aggression.
For parents: If your kid’s in a junior league, this list is a great conversation starter. Ask them who their favourite captain is and why. It’s a simple way to get them thinking about leadership.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes

Pro Tip #1: Don’t just focus on the big clubs. The Dolphins’ Jesse Bromwich is a fantastic example of leadership in a new team. Watch how he handles the challenges of building a culture from scratch.

Pro Tip #2: If you’re heading to Allianz Stadium to watch the Roosters, get there early for the warm-up. You’ll see Tedesco and Keary organising the team before kick-off. That’s where leadership starts.

Common Mistake: Assuming the captain is always the best player. Sometimes it’s the hardest worker or the best communicator. For example, Elliott Whitehead isn’t the Raiders’ most talented player, but he’s their most consistent leader.

Common Mistake: Forgetting that captaincies can change mid-season due to injury or form. Always check the latest team lists before a game.

Checklist Summary

Here’s your quick-reference list for NRL club captains. Print it, save it, or memorise it for your next footy chat.

Sydney Roosters: James Tedesco (captain), Luke Keary (co-captain)
Penrith Panthers: Isaah Yeo
Melbourne Storm: Harry Grant
Brisbane Broncos: Adam Reynolds
South Sydney Rabbitohs: Cameron Murray
Parramatta Eels: Clint Gutherson
Cronulla Sharks: Dale Finucane
Manly Warringah Sea Eagles: Daly Cherry-Evans
North Queensland Cowboys: Chad Townsend
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs: Reed Mahoney
New Zealand Warriors: Tohu Harris
Wests Tigers: Apisai Koroisau
St George Illawarra Dragons: Ben Hunt
Canberra Raiders: Elliott Whitehead
Newcastle Knights: Jayden Brailey
Dolphins: Jesse Bromwich

Bonus Checklist for Coaches and Parents:

Talk to your young players about what makes a good captain (communication, consistency, calmness under pressure).
Use real examples from the NRL to illustrate leadership qualities.
Remind players that leadership isn’t about being the loudest—it’s about setting the standard.
Check the latest NRL draw to see when your favourite captain’s team is playing next.

There you have it—the complete NRL club captains list, plus everything you need to understand and appreciate what these leaders bring to the game. Whether you’re cheering on the Roosters at Allianz Stadium, coaching a local junior side, or just getting into footy for the first time, this guide has you covered.

Now get out there, watch some footy, and keep an eye on those captains. They’re the ones making the difference between a good team and a great one.

NRL Club Captains: Complete List