Chiefs first-five Jack Debreczeni is expecting a tough contest against his former side the Rebels, lining up against his former flatmate this Friday night.
Travelling to Melbourne for their final round robin game of the season, the Chiefs can guarantee themselves a spot in the Super Rugby playoffs with a win - something that seemed unlikely less than a month ago.
For Debreczeni though, Friday's encounter takes on another meaning, squaring off against the side he made his Super Rugby debut for five years ago.
Born in New Zealand, 26-year old Debreczeni moved across the ditch as a youngster, coming up through the Australian rugby system before returning home last year to play for Northland, earning a Chiefs contract in the process.
Debreczeni now finds himself as the Chiefs' go-to man in the number 10 jersey, with the likes of Damian and Marty McKenzie, Orbyn Leger and Stephen Donald all having spent time at first-five so far in 2019.
Asked about what it means to face his former teammates, Debreczeni spoke of his uncertainty in returning to his former stomping ground.
"I'm sure it'll be mixed emotions when I run out on Friday night," he told media.
"I think team first, the main thing is for us to get the win, and put us in a good position to maybe be there at the end of the year."
As to who he's looking forward to lining up against, Debreczeni didn't have to think too hard about what former teammate he's expecting a tough time from.
"Probably Tom English."
"We're both in each other's groomsmen at the end of the year. I used to live with him for four years, I'm sure there'll be a bit of sledging between me and him.
"I've never played against him, but I've been with him when he's thrown a couple of subtle sledges.
"It should be good fun."
Debreczeni is expected to take the number 10 jersey for the Chiefs when they face the Rebels in Melbourne on Friday night.
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