Simi Sasagi's long-awaited return from injury wasn't just about rebuilding his body, it was also about protecting his mindset.
The Raiders centre returned in Sunday's 24-16 victory over the Dragons after five weeks on the sidelines with a shoulder injury suffered in Round 10.
Making an immediate impact with 238 running metres, Sasagi's performance was the reward for countless hours spent working his way back, much of it alone in the gym.
Rather than kicking stones, the 25-year-old made the conscious decision to focus on what he could control, distancing himself from the team so he could concentrate on both his physical rehabilitation and mental resilience.
“To be honest, I just focused on myself. I distanced myself from the boys and the team," he said.
“The more I thought about not playing, the more it hurt, because I couldn't really help the team.
“I tried to focus on what I could control and that was in the gym and what I was doing with my shoulder. I just put my head down and put the work in.”
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It wasn’t just distance that helped Sasagi get back on the field but also a spiritual connection to music which started from a young age.
The 25-year-old old NRL.com it has always been a constant in his life and something he leans on to look after his state of mind.
“Music helps me with my head, my well-being. When I'm feeling down I put on some chill music just to get away from the world," he said.
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“I kind of mix and match with different types of songs, gospel songs and a couple of Samoan hymns just to keep me chill."
Raiders coach Ricky Stuart said Sasagi's slashing return highlighted just how much they had missed him across a five-game stretch that produced just one win.
“It's amazing how he's been out for so long and he's come back and had that impact," Stuart said.
"You can't cry over injuries and who you haven't got in the team, but I think his performance today just shows you how much we missed him.
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“He's been a massive out for us and he had a big contribution towards that win."
While shoulder surgery is expected to be on the cards at the end of the season, Sasagi hopes to delay the procedure long enough to earn selection for Samoa at the Rugby League World Cup.
"My shoulder held up this game. I put a lot of work into the last five weeks of my rehab," he said.
"My mind’s on seeing every week out and hopefully we’ll see how it goes."
