It's been a big week for Scott Higginbotham.
Higginbotham's wife gave birth to the pair's first child earlier this week and now, he is set to resume his role as Reds captain.
The start of Higginbotham's career in charge has been chaotic, having been shown a red card in the first 10 minutes of the team's season opener against the Rebels.
A three week suspension followed and he was eased back into things off the bench against the Stormers, leaving six weeks between starts for the 31-year-old.
"It's obviously been tough sitting on the sideline watching the boys play so well," Higginbotham said.
"But that's only a positive, how well they have been playing and the depth in the team.
"It's just great to be back and actually feel part of the team again and get amongst it."
The Reds have thrived in Higginbotham's absence.
They beat the Brumbies, Bulls and Jaguares prior to a last gasp defeat at the hands of the Stormers and that has the Reds captain particularly positive about the team's prospects in the very near future.
"The Stormers game was another great example of our depth," Higginbotham said.
"We were quite a number of points down at the end of the first half and the boys came on and did their job.
"That's what they needed to and we had every chance to win it.
"I don't think the travel is any excuse - we gave ourselves every opportunity but it was a bit of a learning experience we just didn't complete it in the end."
Claiming a rare double against the Brumbies is Queensland's next task but the match also serves as a milestone, too.
Samu Kerevi will notch his 50th cap and there could be a piece of history made, with Jordan Petaia set to become Queensland's youngest ever Super Rugby debutant.
"It's great to see Samu, firstly, he's such a great player and a great leader for the team over the last few seasons," Higginbotham said.
"For him to get his 50th cap for Queensland is a great achievement and something he deserves.
"That's the same for Jordy.
"In training he's been great and he's surprised us all.
"He came in as a fresh 17-year-old when he started training - he's a talent and we're all really keen to see him play some Super Rugby."
The Reds travel to Canberra to face the Brumbies at GIO Stadium, kicking off at 7:45pm AEST, broadcast LIVE on FOX SPORTS and RUGBY.com.au radio.
