Braydon Trindall hopes to have started winning back the trust of Cronulla, having rebounded from a drug-driving charge to lead their finals charge.
After enduring one of the most difficult periods of his career earlier this season, Trindall was the star of the Sharks' semi-final win over North Queensland on Friday.
In his best 80 minutes in a Cronulla jumper, the 25-year-old set up two tries and scored a double of his own as he took over the Sharks' attack.
Trindall's effort to bounce back from his personal demons have impressed teammates and coaching staff at Cronulla.
It was after the Sharks' round-seven win over the Cowboys that Trindall landed himself in hot water, after driving with drugs and alcohol in his system.
He then entered rehab, spending five weeks out of the game.
"It was a tough time but I went and sorted myself out and got the help I needed," Trindall said ahead of Saturday's preliminary final against Penrith.
"I wanted to get back and earn the trust back from the squad. I think I'm starting to do that.
"When I was going through it I was just trying to take the positives out of it.
"I fought hard, worked hard for it behind the scenes and now it's paying off."
For so long teased with the prospect of becoming a first-choice player in Cronulla's halves, this season has been a coming of age for Trindall when on the field.
His combination with Nicho Hynes on Friday night was as good as it has been all year in a big game, with Trindall's control meaning Hynes did not have to overplay his hand.
It came after Hynes faced intense scrutiny following the Sharks' 37-10 loss to Mebourne in week one of the finals, as both halves played well below their best.
"It was very important for us ... to stay connected and stay together," Trindall said.
"Nicho said it (last week).
"I took a bit of pressure off him tonight with the kicking, let him run a bit more and he played well."
Hynes also felt the pair had found the right balance together in the halves, after his own return from a broken ankle in round 26.
"That first half (against the Cowboys) was one of the best halves we've put together for a while," the halfback said.
"He's on fire. I think the balance is at a really good point right now, he's kicking really well.
"I can't come back in the team and just demand to do everything, because that wouldn't suit our gameplay.
"And right now what's suiting our game play is him taking a bit more control, and we're balancing out.
"I'm just really, really proud of him. The beginning of the year could have sunk him and derailed his season. He had some harsh realities back then."
