This time last year Greg Inglis was out of the finals, out of luck, and significantly out of shape.
But now the South Sydney captain is arguably in career-best form as he leads the Rabbitohs into Friday's NRL qualifying final against Melbourne.
Inglis revealed how he had lost 11 kilograms in the space of seven months this year.
"Last year I wasn't in that great a shape. Start of the season, I weighed in about 113 at Charity Shield and I'm down to 102 now," Inglis said at the launch of the NRL finals on Monday.
"That's just what happens when you watch what you eat and look after your body.
"Obviously with training, that's just the way my body goes. It does that most years and pre-season it just gets a bit heavier."
It's part of what has been a stunning return to the NRL for Inglis this season, having also missed all but 58 minutes of last year due to a knee reconstruction.
He then revealed a battle with depression mid-year, while the Rabbitohs also sacked then-coach Michael Maguire despite having two more years remaining on his contract with the club.
He is currently averaging 115 metres a game this year.
"Considering where I was 12 months ago - and the club - and obviously being back here on the verge of finals ... it's going to be a tough journey ahead," Inglis said.
"Yeah there's been a few bumps along the way but if we put a good performance in like the South Sydney Rabbitohs can, I think we'll be having a week off."
Inglis is one of eight players who remain from the side which famously claimed the 2014 premiership, including then-skipper John Sutton and the three Burgess brothers.
However it will be a maiden finals campaign for a number of this year's Rabbitohs stars, including five-eighth Cody Walker and Angus Crichton.
Inglis said he has already urged the finals rookies to savour the journey.
"I spoke to them the other day - 'Just, enjoy the ride. Have fun while you're doing it but when it's time to train, make sure you turn up to train'," he said.
"But four or five weeks can go like that. Before you know it, the season's over and you're back doing pre-season, doing long runs again."
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