Brisbane forward Jack Gosiewski has endured unimaginable pain since joining the club with the death of both his mother and father in the past two years.
"They are a big part of my life and I think about them going into every game," Gosiewski said on Tuesday.
"The only reason I am saying it now is because I am proud of the way I have held myself and still been able to play football."
The 31-year-old's private pain has not impacted his performance, which has been outstanding in 2025.
The Broncos have won six of the eight games he has played in this year.
He spent nine weeks on the sidelines with a broken wrist but when asked how tough that was to endure, he provided perspective and a heartbreaking glimpse into the fragile nature of life.
"I lost my father in that period so that was a tough time," he said.
"The injury was the least of my worries. I missed not playing football but I had other things going on in life that were extremely tough. The injury was nothing to me.
"Since I have been at the club I have also lost my mother. I lost her last year. I have had two broken arms, lost both parents and opened a business so it has been chaotic."
Gosiewski can be rightly proud of himself. The NRL journeyman had a stellar pre-season under new coach Michael Maguire and earned his starting spot in the second-row in round one after joining the club in April last year.
When he has been on the field, whether starting or coming off the bench, he has done himself and the team proud.
Off-contract Gosiewski will play against Canterbury away on Friday night with another strong performance to go a long way towards earning an extension.
"I'm off contract but the plan is to stay here," he said.
"We put that on hold while I was injured but I am back playing football now. I am sure those conversations (with the club) will start to come now."
The humble veteran played down the fact his appearances this year had coincided with Brisbane wins. He's just happy to be back on the park.
"It is good to be back," he said.
"I broke my wrist in round six and we were on a good run prior to that. I have come back and we are winning again which is good.Â
"I can't say it is (due to) anything I have done but it is good to be involved in the right moments and I am just enjoying my football and doing my role the best I can."