Sydney Roosters prop Dylan Napa was moments away from walking back on to ANZ Stadium after playing the entire first half when he turned to coach Trent Robinson and said he'd "talk to him at 80".
What followed was one of the greatest individual performances from a front-rower in recent memory and easily a career best.
Napa's starring role proved crucial in the Roosters’ first Telstra Premiership win of the season against South Sydney.
The 23-year-old finished proceedings with 141 metres, his second career try and 51 tackles in a whole game effort.
Napa's bone-rattling defensive efforts were felt by most Rabbitohs throughout proceedings but it was opposite front-rower Sam Burgess who would bear the brunt of it.
In fact the 23-year-old's motivation behind his star performance came from the English international himself.
"I respect Sam Burgess and the way he plays so much. I was so disappointed when he left for rugby union, and when he came back everyone was very excited," Napa said following the Roosters’ 17-10 victory.
"I think he left as one of the best forwards in the game so it was out of respect to go after him. I was just trying to get some respect off him and do what was best for our team."
Napa also shed light over his disappointment of not being able to represent Queensland this season following his readymade State of Origin-esque performance.
The Aspley Devils junior was one of eight players suspended in February for the upcoming series by the Maroons after breaking curfew during their emerging Origin camp.
Despite the Roosters' 0-5 start to the year Napa was buoyed by his side's maiden victory.
"I'm disappointed [by the Origin ban] of course. I think about it a couple of times a week still. But what can I do?" Napa said.
"We lost five in a row here so I'm just bloody stoked to get the win. It's a win we have been building for over the last few weeks. We found a desire to win which was very important."
Napa added the Roosters said enough was enough once the Cowboys sent them home 40-0 losers three weeks ago. The close defeats to the Sea Eagles and Warriors that followed failed to diminish their spirits.
"We definitely drew a line in the sand after the Townsville game. Everyone is pretty happy to finally get that 'W'," Napa said.
"Some of the young fellas who made their debut against St Helens [in the World Club Series] haven't felt an NRL win until now so it's really important for them to get their confidence up."
Napa also revealed a sentimental side to the Tricolours' upset seven-point victory.
"A couple of boys have had some babies over the last few weeks," he said.
"Florence Moa and Olive Guerra were finally able to see us get a win which was also very important."
