Roger Tuivasa-Sheck says regular chats with Warriors general manager Brian Smith keeps him grounded when it comes to the ongoing management of an ACL injury he suffered in 2016.
The In-form Warriors captain often reminds himself he's playing on "one and a half" legs when it comes to game preparation and specific exercises, despite recovering from the serious knee injury three years ago.
"I talk to Brian Smith a lot and he's at the stage where he wakes up sometimes and his knees lock on him and he can't move," he told NRL.com.
"We have chats about that. I've got to look at this bigger picture. It could be a couple of years I'm doing this game for so I need to manage myself.
"I've spoken to our past and ex-players who have ruptured theirs too. I'm constantly doing exercises and must remind myself I'm playing on one and a half healthy knees.
"I've got to make sure I'm doing my rehab and the medical team are always onto me."
Tuivasa-Sheck is already proving his 2018 Dally M medal victory was no fluke as he leads the Warriors onto the paddock each week.
He's averaging 200 metres per game, the best numbers since his final year at the Roosters, and he's already equalled his three-try tally he accumulated last season.
Match Highlights: Warriors v Cowboys
"It's just timing and confidence … I think when you rupture your ACL you're hungry to get back," Tuivasa-Sheck said.
"The toughest thing in your first year is your timing when to run your sweep lines, when to step off your leg because you're cautious.
"But in your second year with a season and pre-season under your belt you find your rhythm and confidence back. I think that plays a major factor in going well."
The Warriors dropped to a 2-4 record with their loss to North Queensland at Mt Smart Stadium on Saturday and they face the daunting prospect of taking on Melbourne at AAMI Park on Saturday as they try to avoid a third straight defeat.
RTS scored a try and ran for 168 metres while making two line breaks in the 17-10 defeat at the hands of the Cowboys.
In his bid to get the Warriors back on a winning track and to make his own form even better, Tuivasa-Sheck said he was eager to develop a long-range kicking game to his bag of tricks as his career progresses.
"My running game is something I pride myself but I want to get better at passing and kicking – my kicking is a big one. I want to be that second or third option to kick long range," he said.
"I haven't been an option before. Once I do more I'll gain confidence and earn trust from the boys."