Goosebumps were already on the cards, but now representing his culture will be extra special for Joe Tapine.
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The Canberra Raiders lock will share the Maori All Stars captaincy duties with winger Dallin Watene-Zelezniak in the NRL All Stars game at Townsville on Saturday night.
Leadership's been a big focus for Tapine over the past few years and the 26-year-old's efforts have caught Maori coach David Kidwell's eye.
"I was buzzing man. It's a pretty big honour to represent your culture, so I was buzzing when Kidwell told me. I'm excited as well," Tapine said.
"I've been working on [my leadership] away from footy and just trying to be more of a leader around the club.
"I was pretty happy that David picked up on me as a leader here so I was buzzing with that and being grateful.
"You already get goosebumps and the passion for playing for your culture, but being one of the captains out there it's going to be a different buzz.
"I'm looking forward to it, a bit nervous, but I'm excited as well."
While he's not officially in the Green Machine leadership group, he'll continue to be a leader of what's shaping to be one of the best forward pack's in the NRL.
But for now he'll focus on leading the Maori's out on Saturday, with a spot near the front of the pre-game haka on the cards.
"I'm not part of the Raiders leadership group this year, but I'm still working as a leader," Tapine said.
"Grateful that I got the opportunity to lead in some area, so it's good I got this shot and I'll just keep doing my thing around the club and maybe in the future [I'll be in the leadership group]."
Tapine will use the All Stars game as not only a chance to represent his culture, but also to get some minutes into the legs and lungs ahead of the Raiders' only pre-season trial - against the Sydney Roosters at Seiffert Oval on February 27.
Similarly for Raiders fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, who will wear the No.1 jersey for the Maoris.
Although Tapine's hoping it's not too hot on Saturday - he joked he's sweating just walking to the shops.
"I'm just happy to represent my family, my culture, but it will be good to get some minutes out - it's a bit hot up here so I don't know how long because it's been very humid this week," he said.
"I'll just go hard for the first 10-15 [minutes] and then get a little bit of a break and get the lungs opened up for the trial and the season coming up."