Two weeks ago, the idea of Zak Hardaker making a return to Headingley in the blue and amber of Leeds Rhinos was sheer fantasy. But here we are. The Rhinos are on the verge of securing a return for their former hero in what will be the latest chapter of a career fuelled equally by brilliance and controversy.
Leeds' interest in the 30-year-old developed suddenly and was acted upon decisively. When talk of a move away from Wigan Warriors started to emerge last year, the Rhinos never gave a return to Headingley much consideration. It was not a move the Rhinos felt compelled to make.
How things have changed. The waters were tested on Tuesday of last week. The Rhinos, decimated by injuries and struggling significantly following the Easter period, were in desperate need of players. Hardaker had not played following issues at Wigan that had seen him dropped. Contact was made to see if a deal could be reached which would see the England international return to the club on a short-term basis. Such was the club's optimism, perhaps even confidence, that a deal could be reached, they only named a 20-man squad on the basis an agreement would be reached.
