Dane Gagai made his NRL debut in Round 1 of the 2011 season for the Brisbane Broncos.
He was a fresh-faced 20-year-old then, and since then has gone on to play 99 games in five seasons with 29 tries to his name.
This weekend marks his 100th NRL game, although in typical fashion the utility back says he is solely focused on the team, and not his personal achievement.
"It's obviously a great milestone to be able to play 100 games in the NRL. Hopefully I get to play a lot more," he told Knights TV.
"I just want to go out there and do my job for the team, and just treat it like I do every other game.
"I guess I don't want to make it about me. It's about Newcastle and trying to get this team to where it should be and where it deserves to be."
Gagai has come along way since his debut, playing State of Origin, representing Australia in the Prime Minister's XIII and making two appearances for the Indigenous All Stars.
"It's probably only about five years ago now, but I guess I've developed a bit as a player and a person," Gagai reminisced.
"I remember my debut, I was able to do it alongside my cousin Josh Hoffman, and I'll always remember that moment at Suncorp Stadium.
"I guess I was like all 20-year-olds, just excited to be out on the big stage playing in front of thousands of people."
This weekend Gagai will be well and truly accustomed to the big stage as he starts at fullback against the Wests Tigers.
"I'm still who I am, I've just gotten a bit more professional."
