With Lockers probably only having a season at best left in him, who would be your next captain? I'd choose Farrell. He may not have the same talent levels as those who came before him, but he's been a starter right through the riches of the Maguire and Wane periods. He's probably our next most consistent performer after Lockers, so I'd feel confident that his performances wouldn't drop off with the extra responsibility. You never hear of him getting into off field trouble. He's also probably unlikely to leave for the NRL, given that he has stayed with us through his peak. Him being overlooked for England selection also means he can focus wholly on his club game. Other options:

Williams - think he'll leave sooner, rather than later
Leuluai - will retire soon
Powell - don't think he's good enough for Wigan, never mind captain
Clubb - doesn't strike me as the sharpest tool in the shed, not on the pitch long enough
Flower - probably my next favourite option. Just swayed towards Farrell as he's been here longer, and will be on the pitch longer. Plus, the Grand Final incident obviously.

Thoughts?

It’s a worry that we’ve gone from this time 12 months back probably having 4 or 5 viable options to now not having many at all (or the ones we do have don’t have too many years left in them).

If we’re talking somebody long term then I can’t see anybody other then Farrell as you say.

Bateman, when he’s back.

You think he'll be back before Lockers retires? I don't. Plus, the guy bottled his own teammate not that long ago. Bateman is the better player, but I think Farrell would be the better captain.

I would have said Tomkins then Bateman if you asked me a year ago.

Now I’d have to agree with Farrell. Can’t see who else it could be, everyone else is either too young/not a big enough influence, or too old and likely to retire.

Farrell would be a fine choice.

There could be some other left field candidates though like Clubb or Flower.

I’d prefer Farrell as he will be on the pitch longer than Clubb or Flower.

Also need to consider option of a recognised Leadership Team.

Whilst O’Loughlin has matured into a great captain Madge felt that introducing a team of leaders was necessary at the time and I’d be interested to know how much this helped him at the time.

Whilst a bit young at the moment you get a sense that Gildart is another player who could be a future Captain and being part of a leadership team could help develop this.

I’d vote for Zak. Fine captain

From what I’ve been told will be needing a new captain for next season. O’Loughlin going to Leeds.

Manfredi

Give your head a wobble, more chance of resigning Kelvin Skerret.