Speaking ahead of the Knights' first trial against the Bulldogs on Monday, Randall backed his side's ace fullback to take on the role this season, saying it would be a natural progression.

"If that was to happen, he would step straight into a leadership role like that which is something he has already been doing for the last couple of years," Randall said.

"He shows plenty of leadership qualities; the way he plays, how tough he is, everyone listens to him when he speaks.

"It would be perfect for him."

Ponga has been tipped to assume a captaincy role this season given Jayden Brailey's extended injury lay off and recently received the endorsement of club legends Andrew Johns and Kurt Gidley to take it on full-time.

The Knights had a co-captaincy model last year which initially included Jayden Brailey and Daniel Saifiti.

Brailey was listed as the on-field captain most weeks but Ponga assumed the role on three occasions at the back end of the season.

Randall said while fans might see more of Ponga's casual and relaxed demeanour, he was very focussed on his footy and his dedication inspired those around him.

"Once he crosses the training paddock and gets on the field, he switches his head right on," Randall said.

"Even in our prep and meetings and stuff like that, he is right on and he is not casual, that changes and that rubs off on everyone.

"He is a leader."

Ponga, who made himself unavailable for the All Stars match to focus on the NRL season, declared interest in potentially taking on the captaincy this week, revealing in an interview he had been considering the position.

"It's something I want to do," the 23-year-old told the Sydney Morning Herald.

"I've thought about it now over the last couple of years, it's a massive honour and privilege. It's something I've been thinking about a lot more, I'm conscious of it.

"To lead this group of men out and lead them as captain would be awesome."

Ponga and Randall, who is likely to replace Brailey at hooker for much of this year, will form part of a new-look spine at the Knights this season with a yet-to-be-determined halves pairing.

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Jake Clifford is expected to partner either Adam Clune or Phoenix Crossland, but Randall said he wasn't sure who would get first crack.

"There's going to be a good battle there and they've all been training really good. It's just waiting to get out there for these two trials and seeing who goes best," he said.

An announcement on the club's captaincy is expected in the next week.

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