If the pressure of leadership was weighing heavy on Ryan Lonergan, he certainly didn't show it at his pre-match press conference.
Lonergan will be just the 19th player to captain the Brumbies when they travel to HBF Park to face the Western Force.
The 23-year-old becomes the fourth ACT local to lead the side after Tom Cusack, Matt Giteau and legendary scrum-half George Gregan.
“It’s great, isn’t it? He’s a local boy who has come through the pathways system and is in our leadership group and has really developed into a very calm and composed leader,” coach Dan McKellar said on Lonergan.
“I thought he was excellent off the bench last week against the Reds, his kicking game was very good. It’s a chance for him to lead from the front.
“He’s a very knowledgeable and smart player, he sees the game very well and has a good way of communicating with players and referees.
“I think it’s exciting. There’s only been 19 Brumbies captains so it’s probably a bit of an eye to the future as well, he’s going to lead the club into the future.”
Lonergan has plenty of experience in the role, having led the Junior Wallabies alongside Tate McDermott in 2018.
He took charge during their lone trial against the NSW Waratahs and believes it will do little to change his preparation as he prepares for the Force.
“It’s awesome. It’s a massive honour,” Lonergan told reporters.
“It’s nothing too different in terms of prep because I’ve come on and captained the side a couple of times…it’s exciting.
“It’s what comes with it, doing this sort of stuff (interviews) is pretty comfortable for me. I’ve just got to go out there and do my job.
“I’ll take it as it comes.”
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It also puts Lonergan in the unique position of leading his brother around the park, with Lachlan elevated to the starting side for the second time in 2022.
"Oh yeah 100%," Ryan joked about whether he'd use the power to 'boss' Lachlan.
"I do that enough but I can step it up this week."
