Matt Scott says teammate Michael Morgan would provide a Cameron Smith-like calm to Queensland as captain this season, while declaring himself ready for an Origin return at 33.
The North Queensland half has emerged as a frontrunner for the vacant post, especially given Daly Cherry-Evans' ankle surgery will place him in doubt for the series opener.
Cameron Munster and even Jai Arrow have also been floated as captaincy candidates, but in comparing Morgan's game management to the retired Smith's, Scott said his Cowboys skipper was the man for the job.
"He's certainly up for the task if Kevvie (Walters) goes with him," Scott said.
"He's shown in our team he's a good leader; a very calm sort of guy that can handle that pressure.
"You need that at State of Origin level; you look at how Smithy handled the side previously.
"Morgo's got that calm head on him, plays with a lot of time, he'll certainly be able to handle it."
That comes despite the Cowboys' sloppy 2-5 start to the season, and the fact Morgan could shift from the halves into the centres for Queensland.
Just where Morgan lands will depend on the fitness of Manly skipper Cherry-Evans, who remains hopeful of playing one NRL game before the June 5 opener.
A fit-again Scott is sure he can handle it too if Walters give him the tap on the shoulder, despite serious knee and neck injuries keeping him away from Origin since 2016.
Walters is a fan of the veteran prop, whose 22 Origin appearances would be invaluable in a side that has lost 267 games of experience in the past two years.
"I'm certainly older and not the same physically, but I still feel like I'm doing the same things on the field and holding my own," he said.
"I know what's required in that arena, I've got something to contribute if I do get called upon and I can improve, that'll come with a bit of time.
"I still feel like I've got what it takes."
