IT'S a three-way battle for the captaincy's role for the Northern Tour next month.
Flying Fijians head coach Inoke Male said the exclusion of Pacific Nations Cup captain Netani Talei had opened doors for other inspiring leaders to lead the team.
Male indicated former skipper Deacon Manu, who is making a comeback in the national team, along with Fiji Warriors captain Leone Nakarawa and Nadroga's Setefano Somoca as the top bets for the role.
He said the trio had proven records and experience to lead the national side in the four-match tour.
"Netani was earmarked to captain the side on the Europe Tour, but now that he is injured, I have to discuss with the management team who the best candidate is for captain," Male said.
"We have a few players in mind and they are Leone Nakarawa, Setefano Somoca and Deacon Manu that have shown good leadership skills in the past."
Meanwhile, the national team, excluding most of the overseas-based reps, had a team bonding exercise at the Kila World in Namosi yesterday.
Team manager Aseri Rokoura said the bonding exercise was important to break the barriers in the team.
"The purpose of the team building exercise is to bond the players together and get ready for the tour," he said.
"We had exercise and programs just to ensure the players are able to communicate with each other and build the trust before we head down to Europe."
The team will depart our shores on November 2 and will meet most of the Europe-based players in England.