But always there. Always.
That probably sums up Josh Bekhuis, the Highlanders lock who will play his 50th game for the side tonight when it takes on the Blues at Forsyth Barr Stadium.
Bekhuis made his debut in the first game of 2009 and has been involved in every Highlanders game since.
He has not cried off with injury, needed a rest or been benched for poor form.
He has become a mainstay, although a hefty operation in the off season, relining his hips and groins, meant a slow start to this year.
"My hips were grinding away and giving me groin problems all the time. I kept getting stresses in the groins. But I got on to it pretty early and it is good to get it freed up now," Bekhuis said.
His Southland and tight five colleague Jamie Mackintosh had a similar operation - both on the same day - and the duo are back and firing for the Highlanders this season.
Bekhuis, who turns 26 next week, put his longevity down to good fitness, the coaches he has had, and just a willingness to play.
There have been plenty of highlights for the Southland man, saying the past two years have been pretty special.
"The couple of wins we have had over the Crusaders were great. Beating the Bulls in Africa was pretty special. A lot of those game were first wins for me."
He believed the game was getting harder all the time - players were bigger, stronger and faster - but said the experience of playing 49 games at this level helped.
Reaching the middle years of his career, Bekhuis admitted wearing the black jersey was still a goal, one his locking colleague, Jarrad Hoeata, tasted last year.
"I think about the All Blacks but I've never heard from them [selectors]. I've just got to look to pick up my game and keep going."
That starts with the Blues tonight, a game which, if the Highlanders are going to be contenders this year, they must win and win well.
"We have been in their situation a couple of years ago and I know how they feel. You try extra hard and try to work it out but it doesn't work out for you.
"But they are a dangerous side, and have those X-factor players. We're going to have to work hard. You can never take anyone lightly."
The Highlanders though will not be suffering from overconfidence. Their woeful record against the Blues will make sure of that. The side has only won two of the past 10 clashes between the teams, and last tasted victory in 2006.
There are a couple of changes in the Highlanders backline.
Mike Delany has been brought in to start at first five-eighth, replacing Chris Noakes, who moves to the reserves.
Ben Smith is still feeing the affects of a head knock suffered against the Stormers and Tamati Ellison moves from centre to fullback. Phil Burleigh comes into the No 13 jersey.
The match is played for the Gordon Hunter Memorial Trophy, and Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph, who was coached by Hunter, would dearly love to win it.
Highlanders v Blues
Forsyth Barr Stadium, tonight, 7.35pm
Highlanders: Tamati Ellison, Kade Poki, Phil Burleigh, Shaun Treeby, Hosea Gear, Mike Delany, Aaron Smith, Nasi Manu, James Haskell, Adam Thomson, Jarrad Hoeata, Josh Bekhuis, Chris King, Andrew Hore, Jamie Mackintosh (captain). Reserves: Jason Rutledge, Ma'afu Fia, Doug Tietjens, Culum Retallick, Jimmy Cowan, Chris Noakes, Kurt Baker
Blues: Hadleigh Parkes, George Moala, Rene Ranger, Ma'a Nonu, Benson Stanley, Gareth Anscombe, Alby Mathewson, Peter Saili, Luke Braid (captain), Chris Lowrey, Filo Paulo, Ali Williams, Charlie Faumuina, Tom McCartney, Tony Woodcock. Reserves: James Parsons, Tevita Mailau, Liaki Moli, Daniel Braid, Piri Weepu, Michael Hobbs, David Raikuna.
Referee: Bryce Lawrence
TAB odds: Highlanders $1.57, Blues $2.30
