Few players in Queensland rugby's 132-year history have bled more Red than inspirational skipper James Horwill.
But Horwill will line up at Wellington's Westpac Stadium on Saturday feeling as much fortune as pride in notching his 100-match Super Rugby milestone.
The abrasive 200cm lock has overcome a reckless early reputation and three major leg injuries which curtailed his career.
"It's a team I cherish dearly and I'm really excited," he said on Wednesday.
"It's a huge milestone and I feel very lucky to achieve it."
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If not for ankle surgery in 2009, as he was blossoming as a young captain, followed by a full knee reconstruction a year later, Horwill would have cracked his Queensland ton two years earlier.
But it was the excruciating upper hamstring tear in Canberra, forcing him into unique surgery in 2012, that created most doubts on whether he'd return to his consistent rugby, let alone his best as Wallabies skipper.
"It was the toughest due to the uncertainty and the unknown that the injury carried with it," the 28-year-old said. "When doctors and surgeons are unsure, those thoughts creep into your head.
"That's what makes this game for me extra special.
Now 2014 looms as a significant year for the 2011 title-winning captain who's set to gain his 50th Test cap against France in June.
Following a much-needed return to form on last year's European tour, Horwill remains Australia's premier second-rower and could well regain the captaincy against France.
"But the most important thing now is for us (Queensland) to get a win over in New Zealand," he said.
While the 12th-placed Reds are skating on thin ice at 3-5, the Hurricanes have won their last three games to sit seventh and be rated the most impressive Kiwi side by former All Blacks playmaker Andrew Mehrtens.
"It's a big game for us," Horwill said. "If you give the Hurricanes backs too much time and give them free-running ball they can really carve you apart."
Saia Fainga'a looms as a potential change at hooker following his barnstorming return from a shoulder injury off the bench in the last-start 23-20 loss to Brumbies.
But his brother, Anthony, is in danger of demotion with Mike Harris (ankle) back fit and available to give coach Richard Graham a midfield selection quandary.
Graham has confirmed Rod Davies will be given the big job of marking All Blacks winger Julian Savea ahead of the fit-again Dom Shipperley (hip).
