NRL news 2024 | Phil Gould calls for Isaah Yeo to be made Kangaroos captain; Clive Churchill medal prediction

League icon Phil Gould believes Panthers lock Isaah Yeo should be the next Kangaroos captain ahead of the Pacific Championships.

Yeo has been an integral figure in Penrith’s three consecutive premierships along with representing NSW and Australia along the way.

Gould believes Yeo should be bestowed with the highest title, and replace James Tedesco as Kangaroos skipper.

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“He should be player of the year, he should be Australian captain,” he said on Wide World of Sports’ Six Tackles with Gus.

“I think he’s my tip for the Clive Churchill Medal to be honest.

“I think he’s been the best player in the competition from here to the moon.

“I don’t think there’s any comparison to his body of work from any player, from any club, from any position.

“The playmakers get all the plaudits … but for a sheer body of work, productive to his team, week in, week out, 80 minutes a week.

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“He even played during the Origin period when his teammates stood down from games, such was his leadership and desire to keep the momentum for his team.

“Go out and ask any of the Panthers players who’s been the best player in their team this year … I bet they say Isaah Yeo.”

Despite his talent, Yeo isn’t the favourite for the Clive Churchill Medal come grand final.

The two playmakers, Nathan Cleary and Jahrome Hughes, are the two most likely winners.

Gould doesn’t believe that’s right.

“Because that’s who people pick… watch the game. His body of work each year is unsurpassed,” he said of Yeo.