Melbourne NRL coach Craig Bellamy says his five-eighth Cameron Munster wouldn't let Queensland down if appointed their State of Origin captain, but believes there are better credentialed contenders.
Maroons coach Kevin Walters is searching for a new skipper following the retirement of 2018 leader Greg Inglis.
Walters on the weekend said that 24-year-old Munster, who has played just four Origin games was his his long-term choice to lead Queensland.
He didn't rule out an earlier appointment and circumstances mean Munster - who doesn't captain his club - could be pressed into state leadership duties this year.
Manly captain and halfback Daly Cherry-Evans is considered a strong contender, but could miss the first Origin game on June 5, as he will be sidelined for four to six weeks with an ankle injury.
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Another candidate Walters could consider is North Queensland captain and halfback Michael Morgan.
"I think those guys because they have had the (captaincy) experience at club level, are probably better credentialed (than Munster) to be quite honest," Bellamy said on Fox League's NRL 360.
"But having said that, obviously with Daly with his ankle and whether Kevvie (Walters) wants to take that chance with Munster.
"The thing about Munster is obviously he's going to be in the (Queensland) team and whatever you seem to throw at him, he'll get the job done for you
"That's the thing I love about Cameron Munster on game day.
"I think ideally it would be a guy that has had club (captaincy ) experience.
"I think the other benefit for Cameron if they did decide that (to make him Queensland captain) he's only doing it for a three-game period.
"I think at this stage of his career if he had a club job and he was the captain that might weigh him down a touch.
"But I think just for three games, - obviously they are three big really important games - if Kevvie decides that's the way he wants to go. Cameron Munster wo'n't let him down."
