He's the try-scoring machine using family heartbreak and a traditional Fijian 100-day afro as inspiration for Super Rugby glory and the pursuit of his Wallabies dream.
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But although tragedy has followed Henry Speight and his Brumbies career, the flying winger wants to ease his family's pain by reaching two goals - a Super Rugby title and a Wallabies debut.
Speight will play his first finals match when the Brumbies take on the Cheetahs at Canberra Stadium on Sunday. He's scored eight tries this season - the third highest tally in the competition - and his form has catapulted him into Wallabies contention when he becomes eligible in September.
The Brumbies sit on the cusp of a historic victory when they break a nine-year finals drought against the Cheetahs. But before the season started, Speight was rocked by the death of his cousin Malachi.
As a tribute to the 16-year-old who fought cancer and brain tumours, Speight started growing his hair as part of Fijian culture.
Tradition dictates it's meant to last 100 days, but to remember Malachi, Speight kept his ''family fro'' to honour his memory. For Speight, it's a symbol of heartbreak, family and a reminder to chase his dreams. ''Malachi passed away the week before our first game. As part of tradition, I grew my hair for 100 nights,'' Speight said.
''The hair is a constant reminder that I started this season without him. He was like a younger brother, this is my way to remember him, a chance to farewell him properly. He was a fighter to the end. His memory pushed me on to drive harder this year and the ultimate goal is the Super Rugby win and a Wallabies jersey. If I get that, it will be a huge relief for my family.''
It isn't the first time the softly-spoken Speight has had to deal with family pain since joining the Brumbies in 2011. Before his debut match two years ago, his grandfather died the week before the season opener. He flew back to Fiji for the funeral. In the same year his uncle died before a match against the Reds. He made another dash home before playing.
Every week, 30 family members gather round one television in his home village to watch the Brumbies play. Just before kick-off, Speight sends photos back to Fiji ''to make them feel like they're a part of it''.
