That’s the opinion of former Queensland pivot and Fox Sports expert commentator, Ben Ikin.

The Goulburn Stockmen product has been earmarked for the position vacated by Englandbound Terry Campese.

The likes of Team of the Century centre Mal Meninga, former NSW halfback Ricky Stuart and Origin winning coach Laurie Daley have held the position of Raiders’ skipper in years-gone-by.

While just 24-years-of-age, Croker has already played 140 NRL matches and amassed 880 points since making his debut in 2009.

Blues coach Laurie Daley anointed Croker a future Origin player by selecting him as 18th man in New South Wales’ side for game III in July.

Croker, who grew up in Goulburn and studied at Mulwaree High School before scoring a contract as an 18-yearold with the Raiders, captained the Green Machine at the year’s Auckland Nines.

He stepped into the role temporarily when Terry Campese was dropped from the first grade side in August.

Anointing him long-term captain is a logical step, Ikin says.

“He was player of the year, and he re-signed after what was a pretty difficult 12 months,” Ikin said.

“It speaks volumes of his loyalty to the club because I’ve got no doubt he would have fielded a lot of interest elsewhere.

“You can get a sense having a chat with guys if they’ve got a brain and a level head. That’s what I’ve picked up when I’ve been in his company.”

Tackling machine Shaun Fensom – the Raiders under 20s premiership winning captain in 2008 – is the other leading candidate for the role.

The pair has been touted as a likely co-captain combination.

Ikin, however, believes coach Ricky Stuart needs to select a standalone skipper. “One leader works best,” Ikin added.

“I’ve seen a few clubs employ consultants to deliver reports about who should be the next captain; often it fails.

“Other coaches just go with their gut and it’s proven an inspired choice. It’s important to not over think it.”

Goulburn’s finest rugby league export, Gavin Miller, agrees.

Miller scooped two Dally M Medals, captained his state and was named a Cronulla Sutherland Sharks Immortal during a decorated ARL career.

He said Croker was an obvious choice.

“He’s well respected and that’s important,” Miller said.

“For someone to hold a position like that, you need the respect of your fellow colleagues.

“Not only has he earned the right to be captain, he’s been one of their most outstanding players for the last three or four years.

“His date of birth might suggest that he’s a little inexperienced, but you look at the game time and the amount of games he’s played for the club, he’s certainly not inexperienced.

“There’s not a doubt that’s he’s a player who’s very passionate about the Raiders.”

Miller warned Stuart to resist the temptation of naming a hardworking forward as captain.

“I think Ricky Stuart could consider it a very wise decision to make him skipper,” he continued.

“He’ll be selected every week and he’ll play 80 minutes. If you pick a forward, you’ve got to come up with an alternative captain every time they leave the field.”