Blues players are taking inspiration from the ongoing cancer battle faced by teammate Cameron Suafoa, as their Super Rugby Pacific campaign kicks into higher gear, after their bye.
The powerful lock/loose forward has revealed his troubling diagnosis on the team's social media account this week, as he steps away from rugby to concentrate on his health.
Suafoa, 25, brought up his 20th and blazer game for the Blues against NSW Waratahs last month, as he began radiation treatment for high grade sarcoma, after surgery to remove a tumour fro his back.
Despite his personal struggle, he still attends Blues training on "light duties", encouraging his mates and contributing where he can, as they prepare to take on ACT Brumbies this weekend.
"The first thing with Cam, if anyone's watched the video, he's an extremely humble person and not really one for centre of attention," Blues utility back Harry Plummer told Newshub. "When the team found out and when I found out, you drop him a text and talk to him, and it's almost like nothing's happened.
"There already was respect, but I think that is tenfold, now we realise he was turning up to training and training the house down, not mention two of those games, he was halfway through his radiation stuff."
Suafoa's teammates have known about his challenge for several months, but perhaps haven't appreciated what it means for him and those around him.
"I've been to school with him and I know what sort of person he is, and his family and partner Britt, but this has added even more to his character and his love for this team, but also who he is as a person and being more worried about other people than himself," said Plummer, who attended St Peter's College with Suafoa.
"It was nice to see that video come out and see his perspective on it as well."
Halfback Taufa Funaki admits his efforts have raised the bar for his teammates.
"Cam told me about it back in pre-season," he said. "For him to get through that, just keep his head down and get through the work, it's huge.
"I think it's just a testament to what the team means to him and, on the other side, he means a lot to us. We're still working for him, we're here to support him.
"We've done what we could to this point and we're still here for him. These next few weeks and how we preapre, with him joining us again, means a lot.
"Obviously, you don't wish it on anyone, but seeing him come in, gym with us and get through his work... if he can do that with what he's going through, there's no reason for us not to perform and put in that work as hard as he is."
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