The silent leader of the ACT Brumbies wants to be a part of the next generation of the capital's Super Rugby stars, with James Slipper vowing to fulfill 'whatever' role needed post the club's changing of the guard.
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Slipper is set to return to the starting side when the Brumbies host the NSW Waratahs in cross-border clash at Canberra Stadium on Sunday.
It comes after the Wallabies veteran signed a contract extension with the club on Wednesday, cementing his spot in the capital for another two years.
Slipper, a 96-Test prop with 127 games of Super Rugby experience, turned down overseas offers to remain at the Brumbies, citing his love of the club as the deciding factor to stay.
"There were opportunities to go overseas but for me personally, I want to be a success in Australian rugby and I'm really looking forward to seeing what happens in the next couple of years here," Slipper said.
"To be part of that in whatever role I'm in would be special to me.
"I'm just really enjoying myself at the moment, that was the biggest deciding factor for me to stay. I really enjoy this club, the coaches and the boys here.
"I came down here wanting to improve on-and-off the field and I feel like I've done that. A lot of credit has to go to Dan [McKellar] and the assistant coaches for that, I'm really happy to be here."
Brumbies chief executive Phil Thomson says Slipper's silent leadership has been crucial to the new-look squad's flying start to the Super Rugby season.
They've overcome the departure of their most notable players and began their new era by winning four of their first five games this season.
Slipper is not part of the Brumbies new six-man leadership group but has brought invaluable experience as a former Queensland Reds and Wallabies captain to the youthful side.
"[His leadership has] been really important. He's played 96 Tests for Australia and is a former captain of Queensland," Thomson said.
"He had some issues up there, he came down here, we gave him that opportunity, but we can't fault what he's done since he's walked through the doors and he's really led well - even though he hasn't got a captain or vice-captain beside his name he's been one of the silent leaders within the group."
MORE BRUMBIES NEWS
The Brumbies sit comfortably atop of the Australian conference and are looking to extend their lead with a win over the Waratahs in Sunday's blockbuster derby.
Joe Powell is likely to return to the starting XV, while Folau Fainga'a has been ruled out for another week due to his ongoing toe injury.
The Brumbies are sweating on the fitness of winger Toni Pulu after he injured his shoulder in last week's win in Wollongong. The 30-year-old underwent scans on Thursday afternoon but it's unknown whether he'll be ready to play come Sunday.
The Waratahs are battling numerous injuries of their own and have won only one match so far this season.
"They're a proud club. The results have not been kind to them at this stage of the season but one thing I know about those players is they're proud of the jersey," Slipper said.
"They'll be wanting to come down here and put in a good performance for their club and state. We're no different. It builds up to be a very physical game and one of the boys, especially up front, are looking forward to.
"I've really enjoyed Tahs week down here, you can definitely sense it. They're very proud of the club they play for and the community really gets behind the boys. If you get one up on the big brother it's always a good thing."
SUPER RUGBY ROUND SEVEN
Sunday: ACT Brumbies v NSW Waratahs at Canberra Stadium, 4.05pm. Tickets available at Ticketek.
Lucie Bertoldo
Lucie Bertoldo is a sports reporter for the Canberra Times.
Lucie Bertoldo is a sports reporter for the Canberra Times.
