Cronulla's Dale Finucane was once the dux of the Melbourne Storm and it's why he's under no illusion as to the challenge which greets the Sharks on Saturday.
Finucane's new club have four wins from their first five under rookie coach Craig Fitzgibbon but face their sternest challenge: Melbourne at AAMI Park.
The 30-year-old spent seven years in Victoria, where he became long-time Storm coach Craig Bellamy's favourite player because of his discipline, work ethic and attention to detail.
"It's exciting for football to be played in Melbourne," Finucane, referencing the fact that lockdowns had prevented him from farewelling the Storm fans, said.
"It (playing the Storm) gives us a gauge of where we are at. It's pleasing to start like that, but there's a long way to go."
Even accounting for the losses of Finucane, Nicho Hynes (Cronulla), Josh Addo-Carr (Canterbury), plus props Christian Welch (injury) and Tui Kamikamica (stood down), Bellamy's men haven't missed a beat.
"I'm aware of the system they've got down there and Craig gives people a simple role with a high expectation they'll do their best," Finucane said.
"Alec MacDonald has risen from a train-and-trial and it's credit to how hard he's worked.
"Josh King came from the Knights too and he's one of Craig's favourites, he's got the medal and he's been working really hard."
Finucane was one of those diamonds in the rough signed by the Storm from the Bulldogs, and in his time under Bellamy he went on to represent NSW in State of Origin.
Fitzgibbon's reign at the Sharks may only be handful of games old compared to Bellamy's, but Finucane says he can already see signs which point to a long and successful career as an NRL head coach.
"They obviously have a high expectation of the individuals," Finucane said.
"Craig Bellamy is probably more animated and that's pretty well documented.
"He's calm, Craig Fitzgibbon, but you know where you stand with him. It's more of a stern look that you don't want to disappoint him.
"They have different demeanours but it's the same result in not wanting to let them down."
