As the NRL season approaches its conclusion with yet more disappointment, Solomone Saukuru's ascent to first grade brings a glimmer of hope for Wests Tigers supporters.
Last week, Saukuru marked his debut by scoring two tries against St George Illawarra, though it wasn't enough to prevent Benji Marshall's squad from suffering their eighth consecutive loss.
The 21-year-old centre earned his chance at the elite level by netting 20 tries in the NSW Cup and overcoming a heart scare during pre-season that led to significant weight gain.
He was diagnosed with pericarditis, which is the swelling around the heart that causes shortness of breath and sharp chest pains.
"When I came back from playing for Fiji I was pretty crook," Saukuru explained.
"I had fluid around the heart … I had a few weeks off training.
"It was actually at my first training back where I had chest pain and I told the doctors here who sent me to get a scan.
"You just have to chill and can't get the heart rate high."
During his recovery, Saukuru found himself gaining weight easily due to his inability to exercise.
While the Tigers' website lists him at 115kg, Saukuru disagrees, stating he started the season at 109kg and has since trimmed down to 102kg.
"At the start of the season I wasn't quite hitting those standards, and I'd say now I've hit them," said the centre, who is set to face the Sydney Roosters on Sunday.
"I'd just eat whatever's in front of me … now I lay off the carbs.
"It just makes it easier and makes me feel light, I can do things now that I couldn't before."
Saukuru aims to represent Fiji in this year's World Cup and looks forward to testing himself against Robert Toia, recognized as one of the NRL's fiercest centres.
"It'll be tough, I made Australian schoolboys with him - he's a funny bloke," Saukuru remarked.
In other news, Roosters coach Trent Robinson has announced that fullback James Tedesco will sit out for the third consecutive week due to an ankle injury.
Robinson is optimistic that the Roosters captain will be back for next week's match against the Dolphins, another top-four team.
"It's been a bit frustrating for Ted, we've named him each week but he's not right to play this week," Robinson noted.
"He's progressed quite well but it's more niggling than what we thought."