Wallabies flanker Scott Fardy has endorsed Sam Carter as the leader of the new-look ACT Brumbies, backing his former housemate to lead by example in his first year as captain.
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Carter will become the first lock to be the Brumbies' full-time captain when he steps into the role for the Super Rugby campaign.
Fardy and senior players including Ben Alexander, Scott Sio and Henry Speight will provide crucial support for the rookie skipper.
But Fardy says Carter is ready for the challenge, starting with a clash against the NSW Waratahs at Mudgee on Saturday.
"Carts is enjoying the role and is really comfortable in it as well," Fardy said.
"He's in big shape and looking for a big season. I think he does that, has a big season, the players will go with him.
"He's definitely [got respect of the players], he's played some cracking games for us over the past five or six years. So he's well respected and we're looking forward to having a big year behind him.
"There are a still older guys here, but younger guys are going to fill some key positions for us. We've got experience in the pack but we have to set the platform."
Fardy will play his first game of 2017 in the trial against the Waratahs, with a host of Brumbies using the game as their final preparation for the Super Rugby season.
Wallabies lock Rory Arnold is also playing his first game while Tevita Kuridrani is back out outside centre and Argentina international Tomas Cubelli will start at scrumhalf.
But props Scott Sio and Allan Alaalatoa have niggling hamstring complaints and Jarrad Butler has a lower leg problem. All three will miss the game against the Waratahs but are expected to be fit for round one.
Fardy is one of a host of Brumbies who are starting the final year of their Super Rugby contracts and the 39-Test Wallaby has started negotiations with the Canberra club and the ARU.
It is hoped the Brumbies will be able finalise contracts with some of their players before the regular season begins on February 25.
However, deals with Fardy, Carter and Tevita Kuridrani will largely depend on the ARU and Wallabies coach Michael Cheika's involvement.
"I'll move on it soon, I'm comfortable with where it's heading at the moment and I'll make some decisions in the next few weeks," Fardy said.
Fardy has played 82 games for the Brumbies since making his debut in 2012 and has established himself as a respected leader.
SUPER RUGBY PRE-SEASON
Saturday: ACT Brumbies v NSW Waratahs at Mudgee, 6pm.
February 11-12: Brisbane Global 10s at Suncorp Stadium.
Brumbies team: 15. Aidan Toua, 14. Henry Speight, 13. Tevita Kuridrani, 12. Kyle Godwin, 11. James Dargaville, 10. Wharenui Hawera, 9. Tomas Cubelli, 8. Lolo Fakaosilea, 7. Chris Alcock, 6. Scott Fardy, 5. Sam Carter, 4. Rory Arnold, 3. Les Leuluaialii-Makin, 1. Nic Mayhew. Reserves: 16. Robbie Abel, 17. Faalelei Sione, 18. Ben Alexander, 19. Blake Enever, 20. Jordan Smiler, 21. Joe Powell, 22. Jordan Jackson-Hope, 23. Tom Banks, 2. Saia Faingaa, 4. Tom Staniforth, 7. Tom Cusack, 8. Ben Hyne, 10. Isaac Thompson, 11. Nigel Ah Wong, 13. Andrew Smith, 14. Andrew Muirhead, 6. Rob Valetini.
Waratahs team: 15. Bryce Hegarty, 14. Reece Robinson, 13. Irae Simone, 12. David Horwitz, 11. Harry Jones, 10. Mack Mason, 9. Jake Gordon, 8. Michael Wells, 7. Brad Wilkin, 6. Jack Dempsey, 5. Denio Toleafoa, 4. Ned Hanigan, 3. David Lolohea, 2. Hugh Roach, 1. Tom Robertson. Reserves: 16. Tolu Latu, 17. Damien Fitzpatrick. 18. Paddy Ryan, 19. Sam Needs, 20. David McDuling, 21. Matt Lucas, 22. Andrew Deegan, 23. Andrew Kellaway, 27. Ryan McCauley, 28. Jamason Schultz, 30. Con Foley, 31. Maclean Jones.
