James Slipper is set to extend his lengthy career for another season in Canberra, with another potential record in his sights, the most capped Super Rugby player of all time - currently held by Crusader Wyatt Crockett.
Despite being only seven caps off the milestone however, it was the opportunity to have another season at the Brumbies and the sense his body had more to give that made the decision a simple one for Slipper.
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"I'm super pumped," Slipper told reporters on Tuesday.
"I really enjoy the club, enjoy the rugby here and we've made Canberra our home. So yeah, really happy to stay on for another year.
"You've always got to weigh up big decisions, and this was a big decision for me and not only for me, but for the family.
"We genuinely enjoy Canberra. We love living here and that made the decision a lot easier on my behalf. And then rugby wise, it's just a great club."
Slipper racked up several milestones in 2024 - overtaking Stephen Moore to become the most capped Australian Super Rugby player, before later usurping George Gregan to become the most capped Wallaby of all time.
However, the veteran believes he still has plenty left in the tank - particularly at a time of notable change in Canberra.
"With experience you kind of work out what you need to do body wise to be right to play," Slipper explained.
"I think for me, when I feel like I'm contributing to the performance and to the team's success, that always helps my decision as well. I feel like I've got some good rugby left in me.
"Body wise, I'm feeling really good.
"I guess it's a time of change for the club. We've got some guys leaving, a lot of young guys coming through, we've got a lot of depth that we're building here.
"There's a lot of youth coming through the academy system and the pathway through Canberra as well. The club's in a good position. I'm excited to be a part of that."
The upcoming clash with the Crusaders was front of mind for Slipper, with the match looming as one of the most significant in recent years.
"The bye came at a good time for us," Slipper admitted.
"We had a block of six games there on the run. We managed to get a few home games for once in that block, it was a good part of the season for us.
"We're up against one of the form teams in the competition and historically the best team in Super Rugby history, the Crusaders.
"There's a lot of history between the two clubs here in Canberra over the years. A few finals played out.
"From our side, we truly respect the Crusaders with how they play the game and what they bring to the competition. We know we're going to be up against a pretty tough team and it's going to be a big game.
"For us, there's no higher incentive than to perform against the Crusaders because you just know how good they are.
"If you don't turn up and play a good game, then you're going to find out."
The Brumbies will be without several players, including captain Allan Alaalatoa, but Slipper backs several of the side's up and coming forwards to fill his shoes.
"He's a good player and our captain, the glue of the team, the big uncle," Slipper said.
"He's been immense for us this year. We've got a lot of confidence in the boys coming in and in place of him.
"Let's hope he gets his calf sorted and he doesn't eat too much in the weeks off."
While the Brumbies are focused on the weekend, the finals equation is in the back of everyone's heads - and while Slips has a Super Rugby title to his name, he missed out on the 2011 final due to injury, and knows how rare they are.
"It's a long time ago now, 2011," Slipper reflected.
"Thinking back to that Reds final against the Crusaders, it was just a great year from the Reds boys that year. I do distinctly remember that I thought I'd play in a lot more, having missed that one.
"I thought, don't worry, I'll get another opportunity. I haven't been in a Super Rugby Pacific final since.
"I think understanding how rare they are and how important they are to get there is probably something I've reflected on throughout my career.
"But there's still a lot of water to go under the bridge to get there. It's not something that we're focusing on right now.
"Just the Crusaders, this week."
