Milestone man Sean Hardman admits his record-breaking Reds appearance will be made even more memorable by playing against long-time teammate Stephen Moore for the first time.

Hardman will eclipse Mark Connors' Queensland record of 134 state caps when the veteran hooker goes head to head with Brumbies rake Moore in Saturday night's Super 14 derby at Suncorp Stadium.

They enjoyed a prolonged tussle for the Reds No.2 jersey for six years, with neither nailing it down, until the end of last season when Moore left Brisbane for Canberra.

A passionate Queenslander, Hardman, 32 next week, said the front-row duel with the "in-form Wallabies incumbent" added extra significance and excitement to the honour.

"I love to put on the Queensland jersey, that's what motivates me and brings me back from game to game ... that's what gets me up from week to week," he said.

"I've got a healthy respect for Steve and he's a great footballer in his own right.

"We know each other pretty well, we've battled for the position for Queensland for the last few years, and to face off with him this weekend is a great opportunity for me."

Moore, who started the 2007 and 2008 as the Test hooker but lost the Queensland No.2 jersey to Hardman before later regaining it, paid credit to his rival/former mentor.

The 26-year-old admitted they were forced to endure an unusual relationship as teammates but attributed much of his own personal success to their competition.

"It's a position where only one guy can start every week and you have to fight as hard as you can to ensure you're the starting No.2," Moore said.

"I've certainly had some great competition from Hardy over the years and that's definitely contributed to any success I've had.

"For him to break the record is indicative of the bloke. He's incredibly resilient and he's always put his hand up for that spot."

It's been no easy road for Hardman whose 11 seasons at Ballymore have also seen him compete against the likes of fellow Wallabies Michael Foley and Tai McIsaac for a starting role.

Reds coach Phil Mooney said the past three matches had shown Hardman's toughness, resolve and importance to the competition battlers as he's played on with a serious knee injury plus head knocks.

"He's been playing under duress and some of the boys have been calling him (white-faced 1970s champion pacer) Paleface Adios with all the tape that he's had on," Mooney said.

"By rights he should have missed games but he's a consummate professional the way he performs and goes above and beyond and his presence has certainly been a great boost for all of us."

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