Gold Coast winger Sialetili Faeamani has been lifted by the example of two great wingers as he prepares to play the Warriors, the club he once wanted to join.
The 22-year-old, who hails from the eastern suburbs of Auckland, is fresh from his first career try-double and a classic battle with Parramatta speed demon Josh Addo-Carr, known as "The Foxx".
Addo-Carr's words have also given him a lift ahead of Saturday's away clash in New Zealand.
"He had a few (chats) with me straight after the game and just told me I'm doing such a good job for the start of my career and just to keep going," Faeamani said.
"It boosted my confidence more.
"Just hearing from such big names after the game saying I'm doing well, it means a lot."
It was not just the words either. Faeamani shone in a 52-10 win, opposing a top quality winger who tested him to the maximum.
"Every time he would get the ball I was like 'what the hell, he's right there in front of me'," Faeamani grinned.
Faeamani grew up playing rugby union but his cousin Manu Ma'u was shining in the NRL and that held appeal.
"He used to play for the Parramatta Eels, so he had a big influence on why I wanted to make the switch over to league and play it," Faeamani said.
"I came through the union pathways and played First XV at St Peter's College ... and then got my opportunity at the Warriors (in junior pathways).
"At that time, I did want to become a Warrior, but then things happened."
A move to Penrith was transformative.
"I was at Penrith last year on a one-year contract. My contract was coming to end and my manager said that (Titans coach) Josh Hannay was interested in me and I made my way here," he said.
"The first game (against Cronulla) wasn't really ideal, but I really grew in my confidence and I'm really loving my footy now."
At Penrith it was legend Brian To'o's total commitment to every run and tackle, along with words of encouragement, that were an inspiration to him.
When asked what he had learned from To'o and taken into his own game the answer sprung from Faeamani's lips.
"Probably just having the heart," he said.
"This game is really physical, so, if you've got the heart for the game, then I reckon you'll go well.
"Just tackle hard, run harder, and the game's simple."
Faeamani said he would need "30-plus" tickets for his family and friends at Mt Smart Stadium.
"It'll be special going back home and playing my first NRL game back there and especially in front of my family and my parents because they weren't able to make it to my debut," he said.
