Kieran Foran is a changed man but admits he has a long way to go in his personal rehabilitation.
The Warriors five-eighth, who had another impressive display in yesterday's 34-12 win over the Titans before limping off in the 63rd minute with a quad injury, still endures "down days and dark moments" and concedes it will be an issue for "the rest of my life".
But his progress has been remarkable. His return to the sport - and even to a normal way of life - looked a long shot 12 months ago, as he battled mental illness and personal issues.
Even during his first few months at the Warriors, he was a "handle with care" scenario, with teammates and coaching staff never sure what kind of demeanour he would present each morning.
But the 26-year-old has turned a significant corner, a world away from the dark days of last year.
"I've come a long way," Foran said. "Often I find myself reflecting on where I am today as opposed to 12, 18 months ago. Every day back then was a struggle for me. I was dealing with so many different things.
"I'm now able to sleep peacefully. I've never slept better in my life. And being able to laugh and smile again, that was something that was missing in my life for a long time."
But Foran remains vigilant, aware it is an ongoing fight.
"It is something that does not go away, mental illness," he said. "It stays with you and you have to work on it.
"You still have your down days and dark moments but they are less frequent.
"Overall, I am in a pretty good place [but] you are never fully in the clear. I never sit back and say 'I am fully recovered and I am well now'. I still have those tough days and dark moments.
"[But] I continue to work on myself and get the appropriate help that I need. Overall, I am heading in the right direction but I don't think it ever really leaves you.
"Mental illness is something you have to continue to battle with for the rest of your life."
Aside from his personal recovery, Foran's on-field revival has also been remarkable. In an inconsistent Warriors outfit, Foran has often been a beacon of hope.
He has contributed seven try assists and three line breaks, as well as almost 20 tackles per match.
Foran has exceeded 50 running metres on five occasions, and was the key factor in the home wins over the Titans and Eels, and prominent again yesterday in a dazzling first half on the Gold Coast.
In the space of 10 games, Foran is already close to the top echelon of NRL halves.
"It's been an interesting season," he said. "I'm reasonably happy with how I have been going but I can go better.
"I'm my harshest critic and my hardest marker, no doubt, I keep my standards high.
"[But] I'm continuing to work as hard as I can and hopefully I can get better each week," said Foran.