Crossword Genius

Cryptic indication of Sally or Jack's rank (6,4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

second mate

'cryptic indication' is the definition.
The definition suggests a singular noun which matches the answer.

'sally or jack's rank' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'rank' could be 'second' (second is a kind of rank) and 'second' is located in the answer.
The remaining letters 'mate' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't understand.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

'of' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for second mate that I've seen before include "Craftsman, perhaps" , "Naval officer" , "one involved in bigamy?" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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