Akuila Uate's career was at a crossroad midway through last season - out of form and out of favour at Newcastle.
It looked a sad demise for the one‑time crowd favourite and all‑time leading try scorer for the club.
The three‑time Dally M Winger of the Year was discarded from first grade after Round 12 and never pulled on the red and blue jersey again.
For the first time in his career, he was not enjoying his rugby league.
It stopped being fun and it showed.
His form was down and it was affecting him badly on and off the field.
When coach Trent Barrett threw Uate a lifeline to join the Sea Eagles, the proud Fijian wasn't exactly received with open arms by the Manly faithful thanks largely to a high profile player swap in the off‑season with much‑loved clubman Jamie Buhrer.
That was out of Uate's control, but he has since gained a new lease of life and is quickly proving the doubters wrong in the best possible way.
Since the start of this season, Uate has been on form scoring tries and playing just like the way he used to play six years ago.
The Sea Eagles will take on the Dragons at 4pm Saturday.
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