With James Tedesco a chance to be left out of Mal Meninga’s Australia squad, the Kangaroos are potentially on the lookout for a new captain, and Phil Gould has the answer.
Gould believes Panthers lock Isaah Yeo meets all the criteria to lead Australia as they head into the 2024 Pacific Championships later this month.
Isaah Yeo played an important role in the Panthers' three consecutive premierships and the Bulldogs boss feels he would be the best pick.
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"He should be player of the year, he should be the Australian captain," Gould said on the Six Tackles with Gus podcast.
"I think he's my tip for the Clive Churchill Medal to be honest."
Despite Gould’s suggestion, the two players favoured for the grand final medal are halfbacks Nathan Cleary and Jahrome Hughes.
"I think [Yeo] has been the best player in the competition from here to the moon," Gould continued.
"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.
"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."
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Yeo remains one of the names in the mix for national team selection with Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga yet to make his final decision.
The Pacific Championships are scheduled to begin from October 18.
