Ronald Volkman is approaching his first match against St George Illawarra since the contract turmoil that cast doubt on his NRL career without holding any grudges.
The 24-year-old is having a breakout season at Parramatta, having joined the club after a challenging 2024 sparked by the Dragons' complicated attempt to acquire him.
He was released from his Warriors contract to move to the Dragons in late 2023, only to discover a significant shoulder injury when he began training.
Although the Dragons announced his signing publicly, they never registered his contract with the NRL, leading them to release him.
The NRL eventually imposed a suspended $40,000 fine on the Dragons for the mishandling of the situation.
During the 2024 season, Volkman was stuck without a club due to his injury, but he has emerged as a dynamic playmaker with the Eels.
Sunday's round-27 game will mark his first encounter with the Dragons since this incident.
"To be honest, I don't hold any malice against the Dragons. Everything happens for a reason," he remarked to AAP.
"That being said, it's just going to be another game for us next week. We obviously want to finish off (the season) strong."
Volkman's rise has been a highlight in a challenging year for the 13th-placed Eels.
He showcased his talent with a spectacular individual try in Sunday's unexpected victory against Cronulla, sprinting 55 meters and evading Nicho Hynes and Will Kennedy.
Volkman has earned a starting position at the Eels, pushing prized recruit Jonah Pezet to the bench, though he might leave after Sunday's game.
With Jarome Luai set to arrive next year for a one-season stint before heading to PNG, Parramatta initially seemed set to lose him.
Now, the Eels are back in talks with Volkman's management, while Canterbury is reportedly interested in acquiring him.
"I'm not too sure (where I will sign) at the moment. It's still early days for myself," Volkman said.
"I'm sure whatever happens, my management will take care of it."
As he heads into round 27, Volkman has 10 try assists over 17 games this season, surpassing NSW five-eighth Ethan Strange and trailing only Queensland captain Cameron Munster by one.
He attributes his success to finally maintaining good health and fitness.
"I've had a pretty bad run with injuries," he acknowledged.
"Just to get my body right, my nutrition, I had to put that up first."
"To get the opportunity when Rylesy (coach Jason Ryles) gave it to me, I had to take it with both hands."