Ben Smith's Highlanders teammates will not be treating him any differently despite his newly-signed New Zealand Rugby deal.
On Tuesday, the 30-year-old confirmed he had knocked back a lucrative offer from French Club Pau to stay with the All Blacks, Highlanders and Otago teams until 2020.
Given the new deal's extended term, a lengthy negotiating period and Smith's senior All Blacks status, the contract must surely be one of the most lucrative in New Zealand Rugby history.
Rather than receiving praise or relief from his Highlanders team-mates for rejecting an even bigger French offer, Smith's fellow Highlanders greeted him with typical southern humour.
''We've got a few guys that think they're pretty funny - they think it's my shout now. They just gave me a bit of stick really.''
That has helped lighten his mood following the serious and lengthy nature of the negotiations, which he admitted had led to some sleepless nights for him and his wife, Katie.
''It is good now; I can just get on with playing rugby.
''We are really happy with the decision we have made. We had to make a decision that was best for both of us and our family.''
Smith insists money was not the major factor in deciding whether to stay in New Zealand.
The appeal of spending more time with his family, due to the travelling and training set-up of the French club competition, was what made him seriously consider a French move.
''It wasn't about the money, it was about the lifestyle.
''The guys that go over there have a really good lifestyle.''
Though Smith and his wife would have had more family time in France, the rest of their family would obviously miss out. Especially the grandparents of what will soon be two Smith children.
''We've got a great support network here. They are a big part of our daughter's life and we are about to have another one.''
New Zealand Rugby has come to the party on that front, having worked in a sabbatical option - or, as they call it, an option of an extended non-playing break. There is also an option for Smith to leave New Zealand after the 2019 World Cup.
Those factors tipped the negotiations in New Zealand's favour when Smith was weighing up his options.
''The lifestyle that I can get here is pretty exciting and getting a good mixture of having time at home with family and getting some good rugby in as well. I think I can get a good mix by staying.''
Smith was aware of some of the exciting opportunities he was turning down, although eventually the appeal of another Super rugby title with the Highlanders won out.
''In some ways I would have really missed what we are trying to create here and that is obviously why I decided to stay.
''I'm looking forward to the season kicking off and playing some good rugby with a good bunch of mates down here at the Highlanders.''
Smith paid particular tribute to the extended Highlanders set-up in helping him stay.
''People make an environment and we have got some really good people involved with the Highlanders and in every team that I play for. Yeah, that was a massive part of it.''
While Smith has been forced to evaluate his long term future, now it is the short term that will have his full attention.
''I'm just excited first of all about getting a good pre-season in and looking forward to the Highlanders season this year.''
Despite his senior All Black status, vice-captaincy and being a part of the leadership group that directs the team, Smith is not taking anything for granted.
''If I can really play good footy that gives me a chance to go through to the next World Cup.''
Smith is also welcoming the prospect of Israel Dagg staying in New Zealand too, which would maintain more competition for back three starting spots in the black jersey.
''It would be great for New Zealand rugby if he sticks around.''
More immediately, he has the rare opportunity of a Lions tour on home soil set firmly in his sights.
''I am looking forward to the Lions, halfway through the year.''
- By Jonny Turner