The similarities in journeys between Brumbies flankers Tom Cusack and Rory Scott are almost too good to be true.
Same position, same high school, same club.
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So it’s only fitting the pair celebrate two different types of milestones heading into their Round Three clash with the Blues at Eden Park.
For the vice-captain, the clash marks his 50th in Super Rugby and for the club since making his debut in 2017.
As for Scott, he has re-signed with the Brumbies until 2023 after a breakout season, elevated to the starting side as Cusack deals with injury.
With the pair following the same path eight years apart, Cusack believes the progress of the 20-year-old shows the importance and quality of Canberra's pathways.
“It’s unique for the both of us,” Cusack said.
“We’re fortunate enough to be Canberrans playing for the side we both grew up loving and admiring, wanting to play for.
“Canberra does produce some great talent and it’s a credit to the Brumbies that they get them in the program early and put time in and develop them.
“Rory’s the case example of this, being able to get in early, produce the goods. He’s been phenomenal this year and he’ll continue to be great for the club.”
Whilst for Scott, having someone like the 28-year-old has been invaluable for his development as he gets used to being a regular starter over the past month.
“It’s great having a bloke that’s done it before because he can give you advice,” Scott said on Cusack.
“Coming out and at school, some people would try and compare me and him but obviously we’re different players, he went down the Sevens route for a bit.
“It’s good to have someone who’s been in a similar situation to give you advice.
“It’s just little tidbits here and there. Little things that just make me better every day.”
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Cusack believes having players like Scott and fellow back-rower Luke Reimer burst onto the scene is a positive sign for the squad.
He is adamant position battles like there's will help boost depth and the quality across the wider squad.
“They’re fantastic. They bring an energy, excitement and physical nature that I had when I was 18,” he joked.
“Now being 28, I know where my body is at and I like to think when it comes to a weekend, I can get it right.
“They test you in every area which is fantastic for the club and great for the team. We need that across the board, if you have the 15 or 23 being pressured by the rest of the squad, it makes the depth a lot better which we’ve had for a number of years.
“To be able to produce that consistency has been pretty awesome.”
