He hasn't played for a month following ankle surgery but Daly Cherry-Evans is set to lead a new-look Queensland into this year's State of Origin series.
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The Manly halfback is the frontrunner to succeed Greg Inglis as Maroons captain ahead of North Queensland's Michael Morgan when the team for Wednesday week's series opener is named on Monday.
Coach Kevin Walters says the decision is down to two candidates despite reports back-rower Matt Gillett or five-eighth Cameron Munster are in the frame.
"We've got some really good players that have put their hand up to captain the side," Walters said.
"We'll make that decision tomorrow when we announce the team, as to the actual captain will be.
"It's pretty easy to work out. It's down to a couple of guys and those players are both in great touch."
Walters is expected to announce an extended squad with Cherry-Evans among those who'll have to prove their fitness in camp.
Wests Tigers utility Moses M'Bye missed Saturday's clash with South Sydney due to a groin strain while Jai Arrow (thigh) sat out Gold Coast's win over Manly on Friday.
Walters says neither has been ruled out and will be assessed in camp if selected.
Josh Maguire's return from injury for North Queensland will earn him the No.13 jersey with St George Illawarra's Ben Hunt to replace injured incumbent Andrew McCullough (knee) at hooker. Maguire's North Queensland teammate Jake Granville is expected to be named on an extended bench along with fellow Origin rookies David Fifita and Joe Ofahengaue.
Gillett returns to the back row after missing last year's series with injury while a dangerous backline will feature Cherry-Evans and Munster in the halves with Morgan and Will Chambers in the centres, Dane Gagai and Corey Oates on the wings and dynamic Kalyn Ponga at fullback.
Walters said he'd been thrilled by the form of his Origin hopefuls in recent weeks.
"All of our guys are in really good touch," he said.
"That's a great setup for us to work with when we get them in ... it's very exciting and we're expecting big things from our team this year."
QUEENSLAND'S LIKELY ORIGIN I TEAM: Kalyn Ponga, Corey Oates, Michael Morgan, Will Chambers, Dane Gagai, Cameron Munster, Daly Cherry-Evans (c), Jai Arrow, Ben Hunt, Josh Papalii, Felise Kaufusi, Matt Gillett, Josh Maguire. Interchange: (three to be omitted) Moses Mbye, Dylan Napa, David Fifita, Joe Ofahengaue, Jarrod Wallace, Jake Granville, Anthony Milford.
