The hooker is back for the first time since the National One victory at Clifton last month, ready to take on a Plymouth side sitting two places and two points above his team in fourth.
And Seb began: “It’s incredible how far Max has come so quickly. I remember when someone notified us of this young Newbury hooker who was described as ‘the new Ben Henderson’.
“At that point I think he was in their 2nds so they were a bit surprised, but we just felt he had massive potential.
“He only took up the game in his mid-teens having been a footballer before – disappointingly he’s a Chelsea fan – but what he’s achieved since joining is sensational.
“He was an understudy for Ben, then made a starting debut at Richmond as a 19-year-old in our first year in National One.
“There’s always an element of ‘sink or swim’ when you put youngsters in, but some players you just know it’s going to be right – they just rise to the challenge and that was the case with Max.
“We threw him in there and fast-forward six years he’s club captain, a fantastic player and I hope he’ll be on this journey with us for many years to come.”
‘A brilliant time on and off the field for Max’
He continued: “It’s also remarkable for Max’s 100th game to come at a time when he’s just had his first baby in Nova – it’s a brilliant time for him, albeit he’ll have to manage his sleep!
“He’s a credit to himself, and also an example of what we try and do as a club – we want to help young players become as good as they can be.
“I wish him huge congratulations and hope he enjoys his 100th game.”
There are five other changes along with the return of the skipper, with James Baker, Liam Elston and Ben Atkins all starting in the pack, fit-again Luke Graham and Zach Clow slotting into the back three.
Further changes come on the bench where props Ant Marris and Ryan Lomas are restored, Cardiff Met summer graduate back row Max Brown in line for his first cap.
And the Director of Rugby said: “If his work rate and attitude are anything to go by then he’ll be beyond fine.
“In terms of effort he’s an example to a lot of guys, he has an almost relentless repeat level of physicality, and I think whatever challenge is put in front of him, he’ll rise to it.
“We’re very excited to get him in.”
‘Plymouth have threats from everywhere’
Turning his attentions to the visitors, Seb commented: “Plymouth have always had strong sides since we first played them, and it looks like they do again.
“They have a wing with nine tries, a hooker with six, and plenty from around the rest of the pitch, so have plenty of threats.
“Their scrum-half (Jack Oulton) is a fantastic player whose done it at a variety of levels for many years, and he always seems to play well against us.
“We’ve always had good games with Plymouth, and I expect tomorrow to be no different.”
A familiar face in former prop Liam Bishop is due to start for the visitors and Seb continued: “It will be lovely to see Liam.
“When he came here, he had a major back issue in pre-season, and it was nice to hear he felt the club supported him.
“He had a good spell, was always pushing for the side, but sometimes you just feel you need pastures new and we wished each other well.”
With lunch sold out and the rain set to stop well before kick-off, a big crowd is expected for an important afternoon.
And Seb ended: “Previous games with Plymouth have generally delivered and at this time of year, with the light closing in earlier, it creates a wonderful atmosphere.
“They always bring terrific support with them, but hopefully we can be louder and have a great afternoon.”
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