AFL premiership skipper Joel Selwood has talked up Cameron Munster's leadership credentials as Melbourne weigh up their captaincy options ahead of the new NRL season.
Selwood, who retired after leading Geelong to last year's flag, has switched codes to join the Storm as leadership coach and spent his first month in the role acquainting himself with the player group.
The 34-year-old is helping fast-track a new-look Storm leadership group, which includes recently elevated five-eighth Munster, who knocked back a huge offer from the Dolphins to sign a new four-year deal with Melbourne in October.
The refresh comes after a player exodus over summer, with the Storm losing almost 800 games worth of experience through the departure of Jesse and Kenny Bromwich, Brandon Smith and Felise Kaufusi.
Christian Welch is the favourite to be named Storm captain after sharing the role with front row partner Jesse Bromwich last year, while Harry Grant, Ryan Papenhuyzen and Jahrome Hughes are also in the mix.
A captaincy structure won't be formalised until after Melbourne have played trial games against the Sydney Roosters - in Geelong on Sunday - and the Warriors (February 19).
"I've been here for a short period, so I'll play a minor role in that, but they have a number of candidates ready to go," Selwood said.
"That will be left up to the coach (Craig Bellamy) and probably (football manager) Frank Ponissi more than anyone else.
"My key role is looking after those leaders and bringing them through as quickly as possible."
Selwood felt Munster was an attractive proposition to work with while he considered the Storm role, and he has spent time getting to know the 28-year-old on a personal level since taking it on.
The former Geelong midfield hard-nut praised Munster's knowledge and killer instinct, declaring the Kangaroos and Queensland playmaker a genuine captaincy candidate.
"He's recently become a father and understands that it's over to him now with the side around him and he's got to have a big impact on that," Selwood said.
Selwood retired last October after his fourth AFL premiership - his first as captain - completing a decorated 355-game career that spanned 16 seasons.
He was the longest-serving skipper in AFL/VFL history but is a novice in rugby league, admitting he's learning the game on the run.
"I was standing on a field with Cooper Cronk and Billy Slater the other day and I felt like the odd one out," Selwood said.
"It's (about) getting out to most of the sessions ... and picking the game up from there."
