There are many memories – good, bad and forgettable – for Will Chambers as he prepares for his 150th game for the Melbourne Storm.
And there was a time that the milestone looked unlikely when Chambers defected to play rugby union in 2010.
After signing a two-year deal with the Queensland Reds, Chambers was released a year early and found himself on the opposite side of the globe, playing with Irish rugby club Munster.
It wasn't until Storm Football Director Frank Ponissi came calling that Chambers made the decision to return to rugby league in 2012.
"When I went to Brisbane I got comfortable at stages with my footy," Chamber said. "[I then] went overseas and I didn't have much left.
"'Frankie' (Ponissi) flew over and asked me if I wanted to come back and it was a no-brainer. I wanted one more crack at it and I wanted to play Origin when I came back which I was fortunate to do and also play for Australia. It all worked out.
"I was happy to play one when I first came down here a long time ago in 2007. To be at 150 now is something special that I will treasure for a long time."
It more than worked out for Chambers who was part of Melbourne's 2012 premiership victory after they were stripped of their 2007 and 2009 titles.
Chambers also accomplished his representative dreams with Queensland and Australian debuts in 2014 and 2015.
"(Ponissi) sold me on coming back here and chasing that goal of playing Origin," Chambers said. "It was always in the back of my mind. I wanted to come back and have one go at it whether it was then or a couple of years on."
However, for all the highlights, there is one that the 28-year-old may never forget as much as he tries.
After suffering a frustrating foot fracture that kept Chambers on the sidelines for three months in 2016 – preventing him from resuming Origin duties for Queensland – his return propelled the Storm to last year's grand final.
Trailing by two points against the Cronulla Sharks, Chambers made a miracle kick-and-regather down the right sideline before missing Cooper Cronk on the inside for a certain try in the 78th minute that would’ve clinched the premiership for the Storm.
Chambers is very quick to shoot down any questions when asked if he's revisited that moment.
"Nope, not really," Chambers said. "It's only you guys that seem to bring it up. I've never thought back over it. It's normally just the journos that bring it up. I know inside these four walls here what will be will be and we'll just move forward and worry about this season."
The great thing about rugby league is there's no other choice but to move forward and Chambers and the Storm have plenty to look forward to in a massive 2017 season.
Reigniting his deadly combination with new-sensation Suliasi Vunivalu is imperative to Melbourne's goal of returning to the grand final.
"He's a pretty talented young kid," Chambers said. "I watched him score a few tries. It was enjoyable and he gives me a new lease on life. He's bubbly and enthusiastic about all his work. He always turn up at training with a smile on his face. It's pretty easy to work with someone who's happy and enjoys his footy."
It's a new season for the Storm and it begins when they take on the Canterbury Bulldogs on Friday night at a raucous Belmore Sports Ground.
"Obviously you talk about last year and the way we finished last year and we want to start well this year. The way we played consistent footy went a long way to the back of the year. We got to start well and it's important we start well this Friday [against the Bulldogs]."
For Chambers, it's an opportunity to reflect on how far he's come, showing life can work in a cyclical matter but it's important to remember to enjoy the journey.
"I obviously get the best out of myself [at the Storm]," Chambers said. "I went to rugby, enjoyed it, came back here and I just really enjoy it working under Craig (Bellamy), Cam (Cameron Smith), Bill (Billy Slater) and 'Coops' (Cronk) has been a massive thing for me and with the new coaches and younger guys, it gives me a new lease on life.
"The young kids keep me on my toes so I try to keep the old heads and coaching staff on their toes. I'm just trying to keep it fun. This is work and it's my childhood dream I'm playing out so I try to make it as much fun as I can because at some stage, I'll be on the shovel. But I don't want to look that far ahead yet."
