Queensland great Cameron Smith has hinted this year's Origin series might be a bit early for Melbourne Storm teammate Cameron Munster to take on the Maroons captaincy.
Smith captained the Maroons until the end of 2017, but shocked the football world when he announced his retirement from representative football on the eve of last year's series.
Greg Inglis and then Billy Slater in game three took on the captaincy role following Smith's retirement, but both have since stepped away entirely from the game to leave a big vacancy as Queensland attempt to win their first Origin series since 2017.
Munster's name has already been thrown into the ring as a contender to be the state's next skipper, but Smith believes someone already in a leadership position at club level might be more suited to the role in 2019.
"I really haven't thought about it too much as I am still digesting the news of Greg Inglis retiring, but there are a few candidates that are available to Kevin [Queensland coach Kevin Walters] and the rest of the team," Smith said on Monday.
"Michael Morgan and Daly Cherry-Evans and I think Cameron Munster's name has been thrown about.
"I probably lean towards someone with a bit of experience in a captaincy role or a leadership role."
Match Highlights: Storm v Roosters
With Smith's days in a Maroons jersey now long gone, the veteran hooker remains focused on helping the Storm back into form against the Warriors on Anzac Day following their last start loss to the Roosters.
Smith was nursing a groin concern against the Roosters and allowed Brodie Croft to take on the kicking duties during the contest as the Storm fell to a 21-20 golden point loss to last year's premiers.
The Melbourne captain does not expect his troublesome groin to be much of a problem in the long-term and he hopes to regain the kicking job against the Warriors on Thursday night.
"I played the whole game out and didn't have any issues getting around the park, but it's just a bit of an irritation when I kick the footy," Smith said.
"Thankfully Brodie stepped up and he did quite well.
"Even if I don't attempt a kick today we still have one more session on Wednesday morning and I will have a kick then and if it feels good I will be kicking on Thursday."
The Warriors enter the traditional Anzac Day clash with just two wins from the first six rounds of the season, but Smith remains wary of Stephen Kearney's side.
"They are a very skilful footy side," Smith noted.
"We played them in a trial match down in Geelong and they got the win, so we know what we are up against.
"Outside of any finals appearances that we are fortunate enough to play at home, this is the biggest game on the calendar for us."
AAMI Park will host an Anzac Day curtain raiser on Thursday between Australian and New Zealand defence force rugby league teams and Smith said this occasion will be memorable for all those lucky enough to participate.
"I'm always excited and particularly for the defence forces to play on Anzac Day," Smith said.
"They are representing our country in the military and they enjoy playing sport and in particular rugby league.
"To get that opportunity to do that on Anzac Day is something special."
The Storm are hopeful Kiwi hooker Brandon Smith will be available for the Anzac Day contest, after the Kiwi hooker hurt his shoulder against the Warriors last week.
A sore Smith fronted the media after his captain on Monday and revealed he had escaped surgery on the shoulder and he remains in contention to take on the Warriors.
"We thought it was a rotator cuff injury, but apparently it isn't," he said.
"Best case scenario I play this week, but time will tell."
