Cameron Munster wouldn't be rattled by an early ascendency to the Queensland State of Origin captaincy, according to his Melbourne and Maroons teammate Felise Kaufusi.
Queensland coach Kevin Walters on the weekend said that 24-year-old Munster was his long-term choice to lead Queensland.
But he also said the Storm playmaker could get an early call-up as Greg Inglis' replacement with the Maroons historically leaning on their best player to carry the captaincy, citing Wally Lewis, Allan Langer and Mal Meninga.
While Munster has only played four Origin games, Walters said he'd had plenty of big game experience in three grand finals while he had leadership responsibilities at Melbourne.
Lewis was only 21 when he first led his state team into battle.
While Manly skipper Daley Cherry-Evans, who is under an injury cloud, and Cowboys captain Michael Morgan are also in the mix, Kaufusi said Munster was up to the challenge.
"He's a good leader and he's shown that through his game and if he gets it I'm sure he'd do a good job," Kaufusi said on Monday.
"Munster will take it in his stride and do the best he can."
Kaufusi said he'd seen his teammate mature over the past year, forced to stand up following the departure of Cooper Cronk and retirement of Billy Slater.
"Ive seen a lot of growth in him in the last 12 months," Kaufusi said.
"He's had to grow, not having that halves partner there (Cronk) which he's had so he's had to stand up a lot more so credit to him."
Kaufusi made his Queensland debut last season, and played in all three games en route to Kangaroos selection for post season Tests against New Zealand and Tonga.
While he appears a shoo-in, the 26-year-old felt he still needed to improve to be certain of another call-up.
"First things first I need to be playing good footy for my club and hopefully that will be enough to put me in the spotlight."
