From stand-down to skipper: Controversial ahead Jack de Belin appointed as St George Illawarra captain

Jack de Belin will assume the function of St George Illawarra captain for the primary time once they face the Dolphins with out common skipper Ben Hunt.

With Hunt in Queensland’s State of Origin camp, Dragons interim coach Ryan Carr handed de Belin the captaincy for Thursday’s sport at Redcliffe.

Within the first Origin-affected spherical of 2023, there have been important adjustments throughout the board.

Kalyn Ponga, who was dropped by the Maroons, has shifted to fullback for Newcastle’s sport towards a Manly aspect with out Tom Trbojevic and Daly Cherry-Evans.

Regardless of being dominated out of NSW camp with a sternum harm, South Sydney’s Campbell Graham is included to face Canberra on Saturday with Blake Taaffe filling in for Latrell Mitchell at fullback.

Canberra have shifted Corey Horsburgh to a backrow function and recalled Corey Harawira-Naera with Hudson Younger (Origin) and Elliot Whitehead (suspension) unavailable.

However the greatest speaking level shall be Carr’s resolution to deploy De Belin as skipper.

De Belin was thought of a captaincy candidate by lately sacked coach Anthony Griffin in 2021, however the membership backtracked on that transfer which got here quickly after the ahead had returned to the sport following allegations of sexual assault.

The 32-year-old was later cleared of 1 cost, with the jury unable to succeed in a verdict on an extra 5 counts.

The Dragons are with out Blake Lawrie and Jaydn Su’A towards the Dolphins and have put Jayden Sullivan in Hunt’s No. 7 jersey.

Kodi Nikorima performs fullback for the Dolphins within the absence of Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, whereas eye-catching centre Valynce Te Whare is known as to come back off the bench.