Andrew Fifita admits he thought about retiring every day after being put in an induced coma for five days after suffering a fractured larynx.
And at age 32 and after 12 years in the NRL, who could really blame the Cronulla stalwart?
"Literally every day of pre-season I came home and told my wife that I am done," Fifita told AAP.
"All-Stars week as it started to get closer and closer, it was like today is the day. That'll be it.
"I got lot of big messages from friends and family asking me why I was playing on."
But for Fifita, the motivation to prove a point to those closest to him was greater than the temptation to give it away.
And it came in the form of inspiring his three young children.
"I just wanted to prove to my kids that there is always a goal and you can accomplish them," he said.
"And I did it in the end.
"I wanted to show them about being resilient and going through goals. Once I set my goals I have hit them."
The story of Fifita's fightback to take the field in Canberra on Friday night has been well told.
Learning to walk and learning to run again. Getting his fitness back and getting his strength back.
But what should also be remembered is at this point last year, the former Kangaroos forward was in reserve grade.
Fifita himself admits he is still not back to full fitness, but he is close enough.
But it also shouldn't be forgotten that a year ago he was not even in Cronulla's top team, before a bitter fall out with then-coach John Morris followed.
This year, he has made his cause for selection in Craig Fitzgibbon's side irresistible, running with power in his only trial for the club against Canterbury last week.
"I kind of shocked Fitzy, he's asking where the magic fountain is," Fifita said.
"Over the last couple of weeks I have really shocked Fitzy and he has seen a change in me.
"Players knew (last year) I would do my job. I got through it in the end.
"It's like a fresh new start at the Sharks, it's kind of different. Everything is set. Hopefully, I get a gig in round one."
Fifita is now in the final season of his four-year contract, after two years of fighting back from injuries.
But as for whether he makes 2022 his final season and he follows through on the thought of retiring, he still doesn't know.
"I'm still thinking about it," Fifita said.
"I honestly have to see how I go. I am pretty fresh, I haven't played that much over the last couple of years. I am honestly not too sure.
"Every day of pre-season I said I'm giving this away. I'll see how I go halfway through the season and figure it out."
