Cameron Murray has been quick to distance himself from the South Sydney captaincy, declaring that he’s not ready to step into Sam Burgess’ shoes.
The Rabbitohs will be searching for a new skipper for next season after Burgess followed fellow veterans Greg Inglis and John Sutton into retirement this year.
The trio take almost 800 games of NRL experience with them, leaving a sizeable hole in leadership for the foundation club.
Murray, who has long been touted as a future leader and makes his Kangaroos debut on Saturday, said there were others more qualified for the honour.
“I don’t think I’m ready for the captaincy yet. I’m 21,” Murray said at a fans event on Wednesday ahead of the Test triple-header in Auckland.
“I guess age is irrelevant so it’s probably not an excuse.
“But for me, I don’t think I’ve had the experience that I need and I don’t think I’ve learned what it takes to take over that role, especially filling shoes of Sam.”
Five-eighth Cody Walker has filled the role on different occasions last year, however there are concerns about his long-term future in Redfern.
About to enter the final year of his current deal, the 29-year-old late-bloomer has been linked with a move elsewhere to obtain a big-money contract.
Star hooker Damien Cook is another option, as is halfback Adam Reynolds.
“(Cody has) had some great leadership roles and experience there. So I think he’s probably running favourite for captaincy next year,” Murray said.
“But in saying that, there’s so many other great leaders in our club. Cookie now has shown so much consistency over the last two years.
“He’s played almost every game, every (State of) Origin series, and now he’s going to top his year off playing for the Kangaroos.
“He’ll be more than ready to step up in the leadership role.”
Cook admitted Burgess’ sudden exit has left a leadership vacuum in the club, but remains confident the team wouldn’t be devoid of direction.
“It’s half our leadership group gone now,” Cook said.
“There’s still a couple of us left. Cody stepped up as captain this year, he captained the Indigenous All Stars.
“Adam Reynolds I think would do a great job as well.”
Cook is also adamant the Rabbitohs would again be a premiership force next season despite the departure of their 2014 premiership hero.
Sam’s brother George has also left the club to rejoin the Super League.
“I think with all the younger players we’ve got coming through gives us a lot of confidence (we can challenge for the title),” Cook said.