DANIEL Pratt knows better than most the concept of a football career coming full circle.

One of Dean Laidley’s first moves after being appointed Kangaroos’ coach in 2002 was to tell the young Pratt he did not have a future with the club.

Five years later and after a brief stopover in Brisbane, Pratt is now an integral part of the Kangaroos defence and last week was inducted into the leadership group.

"I’m very happy to be a part of it but there is still a lot of work to do from my end with football in general and leadership skills," the 24-year-old said.

"I’m still finding my feet because there’s a lot of older senior players in the group.

"It’s good to be a part of it and have a bit more of a say in what’s going on around the club."

Kangaroo fans who have grown accustomed to Glenn Archer patrolling the backline will take comfort in the knowledge that there's another aggressive and accountable defender who plays above his weight ready to step up.

But Pratt, who finished third in the club best and fairest last year, says there are several players who can make up for the absence of the Shinboner of the Century.

"There are a few guys down back who are a similar age to me," Pratt said.

"Drew [Petrie] is the oldest at 25, there’s Michael Firrito, Josh Gibson, Shannon Watt and a couple of good young blokes.

"It was good having Archie playing up the ground a little more last year so that gave me an opportunity to play some different roles. It helped the team and it helped my form."

Pratt admits he is disappointed not to inherit the famous no.11 guernsey but says new owner Firrito is the perfect choice to carry on Archer’s legacy.

"It would have been fantastic to get the opportunity to wear it but Michael probably deserves it more than anyone else at the club," he said,

"If you were going to pick a bloke to take your sister out, you’d take Michael Firrito.

"It’s great that he can wear it because you know he’s going to give his all every time he plays."