Shaun Treeby is one of those guys who always puts in a solid shift.
He is a behind-the-scenes man, a quiet and diligent worker who goes about his job with a minimum of fuss.
So, the second five-eighth has slipped quietly under the radar to bring up his 50th game against the Blues tonight.
Treeby (26) made his debut for the Highlanders in the opening game of 2011, Jamie Joseph's first game in charge of the franchise.
He has been first choice for most of his career but has also had his injury troubles. From sore knees to broken cheekbones to dodgy ankles, Treeby - who plays above his 92kg weight - has had his share of time in the medical room.
''It has taken a few years because of injuries. But I'm excited to finally get here. It always is exciting to play for the Highlanders and especially a game like this when it is your 50th match,'' he said.
''This team is an awesome environment to be part of. The main thing has been the injuries. But I have always seemed to play when I was available. Jamie has just liked my style and I have never thought about leaving.''
The years had gone fast, Treeby said, and he enjoyed them, starting with the initial couple of seasons when the Highlanders upset a few teams.
''The first couple of years, we were sort of known as the battlers, punching above our weight. But we got there.
''Then there was that season when we were quite bad, losing those first eight games. I had a season like that with the [Wellington] Lions. Those seasons are hard to take.
''You learn a lot from those seasons and you want to make sure it never happens again. I think after that season a lot of things changed in the environment and it helped. Last year went well, and this year we have taken another step up.
''Things have changed a lot. The difference between the coaches and players - there is a lot more communication, a lot more fun off the field.''
Treeby is still weighing up his options for next year. He will go back to Wellington and play in the ITM Cup but after that he is unsure.
First, though, Treeby has this season to worry about, starting tonight against the Blues at Eden Park.
The Highlanders just need to put the Blues to bed, using their accuracy at set piece and their attacking weapons to dominate.
The Blues are coming to the end of a wretched season and, while there might be talk of something to play for as players bring down the curtains on their careers, that can only go so far.
The Highlanders have plenty more at stake. A chance to take a significant step towards a home playoff game should provide more than enough motivation for a top performance.
Highlanders v Blues
Auckland, tonight, 7.35pm
Highlanders: Ben Smith (captain), Waisake Naholo, Richard Buckman, Shaun Treeby, Patrick Osborne, Lima Sopoaga, Aaron Smith, Dan Pryor, John Hardie, Elliot Dixon, Joe Latta, Alex Ainley, Josh Hohneck, Liam Coltman, Daniel Lienert-Brown. Reserves: Ash Dixon, Brendon Edmonds, Ross Geldenhuys, Jackson Hemopo, Gareth Evans, Fumiaki Tanaka, Marty Banks, Kurt Baker.
Blues: Charles Piutau, Ben Lam, Hamish Northcott, George Moala, Melani Nanai, Ihaia West, Jamison Gibson-Park, Joe Edwards, Brendon O'Connor, Chris Vui, Josh Bekhuis, Hayden Triggs, Angus Ta'avao, Keven Mealamu (captain), Sam Prattley. Reserves: James Parson, Nic Mayhew, Sione Mafileo, Will Lloyd, Jack Ram, Jimmy Cowan, Matt McGahan, Lolagi Visinia.
Referee: Angus Gardner (Australia)
