Mitch Robinson says being named captain for Sunday’s NAB Challenge clash is one of his proudest accomplishments.

The 26-year-old is keeping his one-game stint at the helm in perspective and he knows it is a pre-season hit-out.

But was still thrilled when told the news and hopes it is a springboard into the club’s leadership group in the coming years.

“Even though it’s a NAB Challenge game, it is one of my proudest accomplishments to be able to say I captained an AFL side," Robinson told The Courier-Mail.

“A lot of people will look at the game like it doesn’t mean much, but I can tell you that I felt pretty good about it when I got told at training that I would be captain.

“I’m really looking forward to it. I know it’s a young team so my job will be making sure the young blokes have fun but play their roles and stick to the structures at the same time.

“I’m really focused on showing good leadership on and off the field all year to put my hand up for the leadership group down the track. It’s a big motivation.

“I’ve had a bit of time to reflect on the year and I had a lot of motivation after I was delisted but I want to look forward and keep working hard because I don’t want to be a one-year wonder up here,’’ he said.

“The club took a massive punt on me and I will be forever in debt to them. Leppa (senior coach Justin Leppitsch) has been awesome to me.’’

Robinson will be Brisbane’s oldest player on Sunday with the Lions fielding a decidedly green squad that includes five first-year players and two second-year players (Josh Clayton and Matt Hammelmann) who have never tasted senior-level football.

The Suns have named a near full-strength side for the clash.

“It will be great experience for the young guys to play at the level against a strong Gold Coast side. It’s good to be able to blood them now,’’ Robinson said.

“They’ve deserved their chance. As long as play their role, the scoreboard doesn’t really matter.’’