BY DAN

The Canberra Raiders have a new leader.

As a little bit of excitement added to the yearly presentation night Elliott Whitehead announced than Joe Tapine would be taking over as Canberra Raiders captain.

It’s perhaps the least surprising surprise announcement ever. Tapine had long shown he had interest in the role. He’d thrived in the role at representative level and when he’d ‘acted’ in Elliott’s recent absences (seven games in 2024). The other most likely option, Jamal Fogarty, had been clear in the past that he didn’t really want the job, at least not on a full time basis (and will almost certainly take the role when Taps is off the field). Top that off with Tapine has been one of the best (if not the best) at his position in the entire competition over the last few years, and it made more sense than Sam Kekovich (remember the FAT? That was way better Kekovich than lamb ads).

The mark is a sign of respect for what Tapine has achieved, putting his name up in lights with Canberra legends like Grant, Lance, Meninga, Daley, Woolford, Tongue, Croker, and Hodgson. He’s earned that recognition. It’s also a testament to how far Joe has come. For years he was a player of potential but not realisation. He turned that around over time and found a pathway to rugby league greatness. That could be an important part of this job; helping the abundant youth in this squad find their own way to the same outcome. No one knows about the road to your goals is rarely straight better than Joe. He’s learned every lesson in rugby league, including how to work with Ricky Stuart. That could be a foundational piece of his leadership.

And it suits the job. Rugby league captains are a different breed to some other sports. Most tactical decisions are made by your halves. Most roster decisions are made by coaches or list managers. The role of a captain is softer, less pronounced. It’s not so much directing traffic as it is about establishing standards, holding people to account for not meeting them, and showing them the way when they don’t know how. And occasionally arguing with a referee.

What kind of leader is Tapine? I think we have some hints, although these things can always evolve. Mal Meninga was always fond of saying he first tried to lead through direction and then learned to lead through action. If these are polarities I tend to think of Tapine as more of the latter. But Tapine is more than just ‘take a tough run’ leader. He’s a man committed to building culture; not just of his club, but of his people and his nation. He seems a man comfortable in his skin. This is a sign of strength, and one that will place him well to help the younger players who have yet to find such self assurance.

Being captain is often a thankless task. There’s rarely a tangible impact that allows people to see your impact but that doesn’t mean it’s not there. And if things aren’t going well you’re often the first port-of-call for complaint, not in the least from a Sydney media that know precisely two other Canberra players.

Heavy is the head that wears the crown after all. I hope he goes well.

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