Former Rugby League star Mario Fenech has admitted he's been struggling to deal with the effects of brain damage.
He's now on a strict fitness regime and also needs medication designed ostensibly for Dementia.
But despite those struggles and growing fears over his longterm health, Mr Fenech is staying positive.
Much has changed since Mario Fenech hung up the boots almost 20 years ago at the age of 35.
All football codes have brought in strict concussion rules designed to help players avoid long term problems.
Doctors patrol the sidelines on standby to withdraw players if they show signs of concussion.
But those changes have come way too late for the former South Sydney captain.
Now 54 years of age, he's accepted times have changed compared to when he was playing.
But Mr Fenech also insists he has no regrets.
"Rugby League in this generation is a lot more safer than when I played. But in saying that I wouldn't change a thing. I really enjoyed my 15 year challenge of playing Rugby League and enjoyed my time at Souths and it was brutal in those days but that's the way it was."
One of four boys, Mr Fenech was 10 months old when his Maltese parents emigrated to Australia.
Part of the reason he decided to play Rugby League was to gain his father's approval.
"I was born in Malta. And Mum and Dad brought us to the best country in the world and ultimately we got bullied mercilessly. I remember my father saying son you better learn Rugby league, its the only reason I got involved in RL. And it took be a while to learn but once I became accepted and learned how to play Rugby League its amazing how much respect you get you know."
But despite earning fans' respect around the country for his fearless approach to the game, he is now paying a very high price.
With two children of his own, he is hoping the effects of 8 or 9 concussions a year over a 15 year career won't stop him seeing his grandchildren growing up.
Neurosurgeon Dr. Rodney Allan says he has reason to be concerned.
"He's on a treatment which will improve the symptoms of dementia. And it might help his memory. The concern I guess is that he's very young and what's going to happen in 10 and 20 years. Is he still going to respond to these treatments. Will his memory and other functions deteriorate as years go by? And I think its a real concern, and it sounds like he's concerned about that too."
Along with medication, four tough gym work outs each week and a busy life working to help the National Rugby League's charity arm "One Community" is helping keep Mr Fenech focused.
"My brain I find is, my memory's a lot better, I function a lot better. I feel really positive about my future and that's one thing I was really worried about."
And with that kind of attitude to life, it wouldn't come as a huge surprise to see Mr Fenech defy the odds.
