Penrith players including incumbent skipper Kevin Kingston have endorsed NSW Origin prop Tim Grant as the man to take over as the Panthers’ next captain.

Grant said the club captaincy wasn’t the type of role you “put your hand up for”, but would gladly accept the responsibility if asked by coach Ivan Cleary.

Luke Lewis was sensationally stripped of the captaincy earlier in the year, and even though it was promised back to him after the end of State of Origin, he’s since been given a release and will finish up with the club at the end of the year.

Kingston, who sensationally took over from Luke Lewis mid-season, said he wouldn’t say no if Cleary asked him to continue on as leader in 2013, but backed Grant as the ideal candidate to take the battling Panthers forward.

“I think the long-term captaincy will be an issue dealt with next year but Tim Grant would be a great leader within the group,” said Kingston, who admits it was awkward at first to be taking over from club champion Lewis.

“It’s been weird circumstances getting it, but I’m trying to enjoy it and just focusing on getting wins really. If I got asked I’d definitely take it on.

“(Grant) would lead by example.”

Star centre Michael Jennings came through the Panthers’ junior ranks with Grant and described the 24-year-old Blues enforcer as a natural leader.

Jennings said he didn’t see himself as a captaincy candidate.

“That’s a big ask … I haven’t really thought about it but I’ve played all my juniors here and I think Timmy Grant’s a perfect fit for it,” Jennings said.

“I wouldn’t put myself forward. I know Timmy Grant, and I’ve known him for a long time … he was a leader when we were young.”

Cleary said he’s yet to make a decision on who will be the club’s full-term captain.