On a weekend where he'll aptly raise the bat in the middle of the Sydney Cricket Ground, St George Illawarra hooker Mitch Rein said he is treating his team's clash with the Rabbitohs like any other.
Running out for his 100th NRL appearance in a game where both clubs will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the 1965 Grand Final, Rein said his motivation to win lies in the fact the Dragons have lost their past five games.
While Rein didn't shy away from his achievements, the 25-year-old said there were more important matters to focus on.
"I'm pretty excited really, but I have to keep my wits about me, like it's just another day in my career because us Dragons really need to get our season back on track," Rein told NRL.com.
"There's no added motivation, we have all the motivation we need considering we're in a bit of a slump. You can always look for excuses, but with players coming back this week, we're looking towards treating it like a new competition.
"The 100th is something I'm definitely proud of but it's just another game. Though there will be no better way to celebrate then to get the win against the Rabbitohs."
Another important factor to consider of Rein's achievement is the fact he was seemingly not wanted at the club not so long ago.
With rumours rife the Dragons didn't see Rein as a long-term solution at hooker, with their attempts to sign Rabbitoh Cameron McInnes failing, the Kiama Knights junior has been able to bounce back with great effect.
Representing the Country Origin team for the second time in May, Rein was also discussed as an injury replacement for Robbie Farah throughout the State of Origin series.
"It was hard to really focus [when my future was in the air] but that's just the way footy is these days, you just have to do your best and perform every week. That's the one thing I'm trying to do and I'll be trying to do for the remainder of my career," Rein said.
"I still have so much more to offer and I'm really only scratching the surface of reaching my potential so it's definitely an exciting journey ahead. It's a good feeling to be recognised with higher honours but first things first you have to play good footy for your club."
Rein went on to reveal his achievement wasn't a boyhood dream, considering he was a Sharks fan growing up – this despite being a local junior.
"I didn't support the Dragons until I was really playing Harold Matthews with them when I was 15. I was all for Cronulla when I was really young," he said.
"I'm not sure why. I just loved the colour of their jerseys. However as soon as I started with the Dragons all I've ever wanted to do since is play first grade for them."
