Queensland Head Coach Kevin Walters believes Greg Inglis will be 'an inspirational leader' when he leads out the Maroons for the first time in the 2018 State of Origin series.
Walters revealed he saw the excitement in the South Sydney Rabbitohs Captain's reaction after breaking the news to him that the leading try scorer in Origin history will be taking over from retiring leader Cameron Smith.
Here are Walters thoughts on Inglis from his squad announcement press conference:
Inglis is ready
"That was a really special moment for me and even more importantly, for Greg. "I think he's ready for the challenge that the job demands.
"He'll be a different captain to Cameron [Smith] in many ways but he's got the great experience of Origin football with 30 games already to his name.
"He missed all of last year's series because of injury and you can just see the last two or three weeks, with Greg's form at South Sydney, that he's ready for the challenge that Origin provides and on top of that, being the captain.
"I think he's going to be an inspirational leader and I really see he's been really excited about the last couple of weeks. I think you'll see a team lead very strongly by Greg Inglis."
Breaking the news to Greg
"It was only recently [I told him], as early as this week. I could see the excitement in him and in his voice. It's a challenge he's really looking forward to.
"We've got great leaders in our Maroons line up. Himself, Billy Slater, they are two guys that have got great experience at this level.
How Inglis will differ to Cameron Smith
"Greg can influence a game physically, with his attitude, the way he carries the ball, defensively, and with his efforts. He's quite an imposing man. I think that's where he'll be different.
"Cameron was a different style of captain and a wonderful captain. If he can somewhere near what Cameron was doing then I think we're going to be in pretty good hands."
