The retirement of long-standing Kiwi Ferns skipper Krystal Rota has left the door ajar for a new captain to take the reins of New Zealand's women's team ahead of this month's Pacific Championships.
But the team doesn't have to look far to fill the void, with Titans captain and veteran representative Georgia Hale ready and waiting in the wings to take on the prestigious position.
More than credentialed to have the 'c' next to her name, the 28-year-old has played 13 Tests for her home nation, beginning in 2015 with her debut in the Anzac Test, as well as playing in two World Cup campaigns.
Not to mention her role in helping the Kiwi Ferns secure the World Cup Nines title at the end of 2019, having served the past few International campaigns as vice-captain.
This is in extension to her 30 appearances in the NRLW, most recently steering the Gold Coast to their maiden grand final, with the skipper making 501 tackles across the season at an incredible 99 percent efficiency - the next best having only made 337.
Her on-field performance alongside her astute leadership is why Titans coach Karyn Murphy has extreme admiration for Hale and was not shy in giving the impressive forward her vote of confidence immediately after the NRLW decider.
"I can’t give Georgia a big enough wrap," she said.
"We met each other 12 months ago. I'd known about Georgia and ever since I came into the Titans, Gee has been absolutely amazing.
"She’s a true leader and in all my time in rugby league, I can honestly say she’s right up there with the best. The way she is with her professionalism, not only on the field but there’s things you don’t see off the field that she does with this group. They follow her and they listen to her.
"She leads by example and she’s so good. Even if it’s Steph who’s been around forever in a day or Britto or Karina, or with that younger group. She’s just got that way with them which has made my job easier and I’m thankful for what she’s done."
The Kiwi Ferns are set to announce their new captain ahead of their first clash against the Jillaroos in a World Cup final re-match this Saturday afternoon in Townsville.
