In a team full of superstars, NSW Waratahs second-rower Hugh Sinclair is the glue that holds it all together.
On Saturday, Sinclair gets the chance to take the spotlight after being named captain against the Queensland Reds at Suncorp Stadium.
Catch every game of SMARTECH Super Rugby Pacific live and on-demand via Stan Sport.
Sinclair will become the 178th player to skipper the Waratahs after a knee injury to Jake Gordon ruled out the Wallaby.
The 32-year-old has taken over leadership when Gordon has gone off in games or trial games, but the opportunity to officially lead the team out against their archrivals meant the world to Sinclair.
“It's very cool. I haven't really had a chance to get too caught up in it, but I’ve had a fair few messages of support,” he said.
“It’s pretty special to be captaining against Queensland. This game is steeped in history, so I’m really looking forward to running out there first.
“…(Coach Dan McKellar) just had a quick word in the hallway on Monday morning—nothing too dramatic. But I had an inkling it might be coming [with Gordon’s injury.”
Sinclair is one of the last on the training paddock after the Captain’s Run in his trademark long sleeves.
He helps scrum halves Teddy Wilson and Jack Grant with added pressure on their box kicks before finishing his own work-out.
Off the field, the Norths product is one of the first to organise bonding activities and keep the group connected.
Sinclair takes pride in being one of the main guys building a good culture at Daceyville, regardless of wins or losses.
“I try to make it a bit more fun. It can get too serious sometimes when you're doing this; you’ve got to have fun along the way,” he said.
“I like helping out during meetings and making them a bit more fun, getting around the younger boys or whichever boys really, and just connecting.
“It's something I enjoy doing…I like just getting around people, getting to know them a bit more and making it more fun here.
“Sometimes it can get a bit tedious and last year we had a rough year, but you've got to laugh along the way so I try and bring a bit of that.”
Sinclair is the type of character you’d struggle to find a Waratah with a bad word about, getting through all the dirty work and one percenter plays that typify a good team-mate.
“‘Sincs’ is probably the father of the team,” young scrum-half Teddy Wilson said on ‘Tah Time’, the Waratahs pre-season documentary.
“He’s definitely the guy you look to if you’re in trouble or if you need anything. He’s someone that is very reliable and willing to help when needed.
“He’s a very genuine guy and great leader in that way. The boys respect him very highly.”
Having overcome the disappointments of last season, Sinclair kept expectations grounded after their unbeaten start to the season, always focused on the process rather than the hype.
“We've been growing in confidence. The first couple of rounds weren’t quite where we wanted to be, but we’re improving,” Sinclair said.
“We’ve had a solid start with three home games and a bye, but now the challenge really begins.”
