Wears his heart on his sleeve and would bean inspirational leader. Has always wanted to be a Kiwis captain and is still rated as one of the best hookers in the world. Usually plays 80 minutes which is an advantage. Luke has also captained the Rabbitohs. However, it's unsure how suited he would be to the off field demands of the job.
Adam Blair (31 tests)
Adam Blair. Photo / Getty Images
The Broncos prop is coming off the best season of his career since his days at the Melbourne Storm. Rated highly by Kearney and the pair have had a long association. Experienced international, but may not be a first choice prop in the starting XII. At 29, is also not a choice for the future.
Nightingale has been an almost permanent fixture during the Kearney tenure. Not flashy, but very effective as a winger and brings high professional standards to the camp. However, his position on the flank is a disadvantage, as captains tend to be closer to the action. The last player to captain the Kiwis from wing was Dane O'Hara in the early 1980s.
Jason Nightingale. Photo / Getty Images
Jesse Bromwich. Photo / Getty Images
Jesse Bromwich (14 tests)
Belongs in the top echelon of props in the NRL and over the last two years has reached a new level in his play. Is part of the leadership group at the Storm - alongside Cameron Smith, Cooper Cronk and Billy Slater - and has absorbed a lot off the Big Three. Is in the Mannering 'actions speak louder than words' mould.
Other possibilities:
Elijah Taylor and Alex Glenn. Both have been earmarked for leadership (Taylor has captained the Panthers this season) but neither would be certainties to make a 17 man test squad, given the current depth in the back row.
