Candid Super Rugby captain Michael Hooper says the NSW Waratahs' leadership group hasn't been successful this year.
The Tahs had an eight-man leadership group chosen by the players and Hooper said the situation needed to be reviewed.
"That wasn't a success for us this year," Hooper said.
"Good teams are made up of good leaders, a good leadership group and that didn't follow this year as well as we would have hoped, so guys (can) put up their hand.
"I've been impressed with guys like Ned (Hanigan). At the start of the year, largely not many people had heard of (him).
"Playing a really good game and, on top of that, actually having the presence around the place and around the field, so guys like that."
Hooper was looking for a more-committed final-round effort against the Western Force on Saturday in Perth, after admitting their motivation levels were affected last week, knowing they couldn't make the playoffs.
"We're a team that wants to be there at the end and, when you have that being taken away from you, it's a hit to the confidence - it's a hit to what you play for.
"That was tough last week. It probably showed in the game so, a week on, we're looking to be a lot better."
Hooper was adamant NSW had the talent to prosper next year despite a season which had produced just four wins from 14 games.
"The difference between the top teams and the bottom teams is psychological.
"A lot of the time, we're playing the same rugby; we're trying to do the same things on the field.
"It's just the team that is more committed to doing them better. It's the team that wants to do it for longer, that's able to get the best results.
"I've got no doubt we've got the talent next year. It's about the guys having confidence in themselves to play the shape that we want to play."
Hooper was fully supportive of coach Daryl Gibson, after a Fairfax Media report this week suggested player discontent with the coaching staff.
"I genuinely believe that Daryl is a fantastic coach - a person who is a motivator for us," Hooper said.
"There's complete support behind Daryl and he's the direction forward for this club."
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