Left each redback to the skipper (6)

I believe the answer is:

leader

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'the skipper' is the definition.
(thesaurus)

'left each redback' is the wordplay.
'left' becomes 'l' (common abbreviation).
'each' becomes 'ea' (abbreviation).
'redback' becomes 'der' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'l'+'ea'+'der'='LEADER'

'to' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for leader that I've seen before include "Aliens demand to be taken to this man" , "Editor's article" , "Opinion piece; boss" , "important member of orchestra" , "Chief or front man" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.

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