I'm not really into BK that much. Whilst I wouldn't discount the fact that he would be an inspirational leader of our team, I sometimes get a little dissapointed it won't be a Manly boy (i.e. junior) through & through that will get the leadership role.
Therefore, my favourite players are always ones that start at a club, and remain there in this very fickle environment.
I'd say Anthony Watmough. He's a Narrabeen lad through & through. Played with the Sharkies (Narrabeen Sharks that is). He worked with my step brother roof tiling for a while, and I have been told, that whilst he WAS a very wild boy, he has become very grounded and focused. I appreciate his family ethic OFF the field, as it is a well known fact he had kids very, very early, and it takes maturity to see things like that through.
I think he is ONE player out of the three juniors coming/gone through (Randall, King & Watmough)that has started to, and will realise their potential, whilst the other two will struggle.
He is a player that instills confidence in me as a supporter when I know he will be playing.
The fact is, he played Origin when he was 20. That's right, remember, this bloke is very, very young still.
With a bit of coaching and moulding (he's a tad raw now), I think he could make a great long term captain, and depending on the "teams" success, believe he will be representing his state again soon.
My next favourite player WILL be Steven Bell. He oozes class both on & off the field. It has been a milennia since we had a quality finesse Centre. He's consistently been one of The Melbourne Storms top try scorers, and has been named the most under rated player in the game today by the professionals. We all know Hicks can find the try line. Add Bell getting quality to ball to him, and Hicks will look a lot better next year. If Bell is on the other side, I'm sure Stephenson / Robertson / Matai will benefit too.