Penrith centre Paul Alamoti has revealed the sliding doors moment that led to him replacing Stephen Crichton and playing a key role in the Panthers' premiership success.
Crichton's move to Canterbury left Alamoti's future at the Bulldogs in doubt and Penrith officials were quick to pounce, signing the man they hoped to mould into Crichton's long-term replacement.
The timeline rapidly accelerated when Taylan May was stood down following domestic violence charges and Alamoti quickly developed into a crucial figure in the Panthers run towards a fourth-straight premiership.
The centre scored the try that sealed Penrith's grand final victory on Sunday night to cap a remarkable rise in his second season of first grade.
Paul Alamoti Try
"My first thought when my manager said Penrith wanted to sit down with me was 'I want to sign right now'," Alamoti said. "I sat on that thought for a couple of days and I knew it was the best decision for me.
"It was a tough one, I had to take a step back in life for a three-step gain but this is our three-step gain. I'm over the line and it ended up working out.
"It was very daunting [to join the Panthers] at the beginning but this is where I wanted to be, in this exact position."
Crichton's departure at the end of last season threatened to leave a major void that could have derailed Penrith's quest for a four-peat.
The centre's impact on the team often flew under the radar in a side stacked with talent but those within the club knew how important he was both on the field and behind the scenes.
It's the side of Crichton that shone when he led the Bulldogs to their first finals appearance since 2016.
Penrith coach Ivan Cleary had spotted Alamoti progressing through the junior grades and quickly established the youngster had the talent and attributes to thrive in his system.
Perhaps Cleary's biggest surprise was the fact Alamoti was available at all.
"I saw him play as a kid and he was outstanding in junior Origin games a few years ago and at the Bulldogs last year," Cleary told pan66.com. "I was surprised we even had a chance.
"I met him and was really impressed so I was stoked to get him. We signed him on a one-year deal, then re-signed him really quickly because I thought he might need another season and another pre-season.
"Then we lost Taylan May, Paul was playing well in [NSW] Cup so he went in. He's played some games on the wing as well, he ended up on the wing [on Sunday] and his last two games were unbelievable."
Once handed an opportunity in Round 7, it wasn't all smooth sailing for Alamoti. The outside back fractured his arm in a Round 20 win over the Dolphins, a match best remembered for Nathan Cleary's stunning return from a hamstring injury.
Alamoti returned in Round 26 and quickly found his stride, kicking goals while Cleary nursed a shoulder injury before scoring a crucial double in last week's preliminary final.
Two for Alamoti in a prelim
Now, he's a premiership winner, having completed an acrobatic finish to secure Penrith's place in rugby league history.
"It's been a long journey in the last 12 months," Alamoti said. "I started on the back foot at the beginning of the year and had to work my way into the squad. I then had a little bump along the road with the forearm injury and had to come back from that.
"It's been an up and down year but I'm just grateful I came out the other side and was able to string a few games together.
"Every kid's dream is to play on the biggest stage and grand finals are the biggest stage. Scoring a try as well is pretty crazy so I'm grateful I was able to have this opportunity."
