Billy Slater will captain Melbourne Storm for the first time in his career when the NRL champions host Manly on Saturday night.
Slater is stepping in for suspended Storm skipper Cameron Smith and can use the AAMI Park match as an audition to also replace Smith as Queensland captain in next month's State of Origin.
Slater, Greg Inglis, Matt Scott and Darius Boyd are in the mix to lead the Maroons with the opening Origin at the MCG on June 6.
Smith, who pleaded guilty to a dangerous contact charge, called time on his illustrious representative career on Tuesday.
"I have not done that yet in my career so it will be an honour," Slater told SEN radio about being named captain.
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"Obviously I'd love to have Cameron out there; I haven't played much footy without Cam but it is something to look forward to which I have not done before."
Brandon Smith has been named as the replacement for Smith at hooker.
