Canberra forward Junior Paulo is playing with freedom now his NRL future has been finalised.
The 24-year-old is heading back to Parramatta next year, where he played 53 games before switching to the Raiders midway through the 2016 season.
The four-year contract with the Eels is reported to be worth up to $3 million and it's one Paulo couldn't afford to pass up.
But he is determined to finish off his stint with the Green Machine in the best fashion, starting with his 50th appearance for the club on Saturday night against Melbourne.
Paulo spoke for the first time about his decision to leave Canberra at Raiders headquarters on Wednesday.
"Once all the contract stuff was sorted, that's what I've been looking to do is playing my best football for Canberra before I go," Paulo said.
"My days here are limited and I'm just trying to enjoy my football as much as I can and enjoy the company of the boys.
"It was definitely one that played on my mind for a while but a decision I had to make for my family as well.
"It was probably one of the toughest decisions to walk away from Canberra, enjoying it for the past two-and-a-half years that I've been here.
"It's definitely been a place that's grown on me and I definitely would love to come back here."
Paulo missed five weeks during the season because of a foot injury but has been excellent since returning for the round 16 game against Brisbane.
The injury was expected to sideline him for up to 10 weeks but he made a quick recovery to ensure his final days as a Raiders player weren't in the rehabilitation group.
