Australian Test captain Darren Lockyer says Melbourne skipper Cameron Smith is the long-term leader of the national team, and admitted selectors would have been justified in keeping him as captain for the World Cup.
Smith filled in for Lockyer as captain this year as Australia beat New Zealand in the Centenary Test, and then led Queensland to a State of Origin victory in Lockyer’s absence.
The Brisbane captain has been given the captaincy once again after recovering from injury, but said the selectors could have gone either way.
"It looks like Cam will have the (c) beside his name for quite a few years," Lockyer told the Courier Mail.
"It was out of my control who the ARL went with but I am delighted to have this opportunity.
"It feels good just to be named in the squad and it is a big honour to also be named as captain.
"Wally Lewis didn't get the captaincy back from Mal Meninga in 1991.
"And when I took over from 'Joey' (Andrew Johns) when he was injured it was a similar situation.
"They left the captaincy with me and it's something I've never taken for granted."
Lockyer was happy with the 24-man squad named yesterday – despite the absence of Brisbane stars Karmichael Hunt and Sam Thaiday – and was particularly pleased Storm and Queensland forward Michael Crocker was named despite leaving for England next season.
"A good performance by Melbourne (in the grand final) might have seen Dallas Johnson make the side," he said.
"I'm glad the selectors stuck with Mick Crocker even though he's off to England. He's one bloke you always like to have on your side."
Lockyer, 31, is contracted to the Broncos until the end of next season and then is expected to finish his career in the English Super League.
