Joe Tapine thought he was perfect already.
He didn't think he needed to get better at anything, even when Newcastle veterans Jeremy Smith and Willie Mason put the rookie in his place at training. Reality shows he was a promising footballer with the world at his feet - if he could stay out of trouble.
So, how is it that Tapine sits before us at Canberra Raiders headquarters as the best front-rower in rugby league on a deal tipped to be of the richest a prop could ask for?