Siosiua Taukeiaho has gone from unwanted by the under-achieving NZ Warrior to making the biggest runs of any forward in the NRL.
And on Sunday, he will play his second straight Grand Final as he continues to reward the Sydney Roosters for taking a chance on him when no-one else wanted to.
- Jordan Rapana hints Grand Final his last game for Canberra Raiders
- Roosters fullback James Tedesco wins Dally M Medal
- New Zealand emerges as candidate to host 2021 NRL Grand Final
Now one of the hardest-working forwards in the competition, Taukeiaho found his career at a crossroads as a 21-year-old at the end of 2013.
"I had one more year, but the Warriors wanted to let me go," Taukeiaho told AAP.
"A few times during the season because I had a lot of injuries, I was carrying every year.
"And I think for them it was just time for me to move on. I couldn't do much about it. It was a business thing.
"All I could do was get my manager on board and try and get me an offer. There was only one offer, and it was from the Roosters."
That decision has paid off for the Tri-colours.
Taukeiaho had only played one game for the Warriors when he came across, but the 27-year-old is now a hard-working staple of the defending premiers pack.
"It's been a long journey," he said.
"I spoke to my wife about it this week and how far I have come to get the opportunity to play in a Grand Final.
"I'm so grateful to the Roosters that they gave me the opportunity to continue my career. Look after my family and put food on the table.
"I'm glad I took the opportunity to come here and train hard. Trent and the club have developed me personally and as a player.
"I've been able to play in a few finals, won a premiership and it would be awesome to win another one."
Taukeiaho is off-contract at the end of next year and technically becomes a free agent on November 1.
But in good news for Roosters fans, he has no intention on leaving the nest.
"I would love to stay here," he said.
"I don't think I see myself anywhere else. I haven't looked into it yet.
"I want to win a premiership on Sunday, and then we'll probably start negotiating once everything is all done."
Join us for live updates of the 2019 NRL Grand Final between the Sydney Roosters and Canberra Raiders on Sunday.
AAP
