It's the biggest compliment a former side can give, although Canberra mid-season signing Joey Leilua admits it still "kind of sucks" he's banned from playing Newcastle on Friday.
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But the powerhouse centre's statistics for the Knights are evidence why they went out of their way to ensure he can't hurt them.
In 2014 the 23-year-old led the Knights in line breaks (11), try assists (13) and line break assists (12), was second in tries scored (11) and third in average metres (120.9).
This season he had already racked up seven line breaks, six tries and 117 metres a game before jumping ship to the Raiders.
The Samoan international made his Raiders debut off the bench in the last start 30-8 loss to New Zealand, but will be the most frustrated spectator in the Canberra Stadium stands.
As a condition of his release, Newcastle insisted a clause be placed in his Canberra contract he can't play against the Knights this regular season.
"It kind of sucks, but it's part of the deal I had to negotiate with the Knights," Leilua said.
"Since they've written it in the books I can't change anything, that's where it's at.
"If they consider me not playing to their advantage, it doesn't matter for us.
"I'm just happy I've moved down here and I'm enjoying myself with a great bunch of boys and staff here."
Given the Raiders had the bye last week, it means Leilua faces a three-week lay-off before he is eligible to play for Canberra again, against Cronulla at home on July 18.
Raiders coach Ricky Stuart has confirmed he doesn't intend to send Leilua to NSW Cup side Mounties to get match time this week, preferring to increase his training workload.
"He's putting a fair bit of fitness into me I can tell you that," Leilua said.
"As long as the team knows I'm working hard off the field, I have to make sure I'm 100 per cent and ready to play good footy when it's my time.
Stuart chose Leilua as NSW 19th man in 2012, and wants to repay the faith shown in him by finally settling in Canberra.
Leilua was released by Sydney Roosters at the end of 2012 for disciplinary reasons and was cast adrift by Newcastle when it became clear he wanted out.
"It wasn't off the field for me, it was a different situation at the Roosters and Knights," Leilua said.
"Since coming to Canberra it's been different and the boys have welcomed me. They've said to keep my head down and do my job.
"Ricky said he believed I could make an impact here and I like to come to a team that's going well, and Canberra is going well.
"The team they have for the future looks really good and I want to be a part of that.
"Everyone's pushing for positions and it builds a good culture, it keeps you on your toes and keeps you performing each week.
In a timely boost with Leilua unavailable, Raiders winger Jordan Rapana is confident of taking his place despite aggravating an ankle injury against the Warriors.
"I pulled up sweet, it feels a lot better than it did after that game," Rapana said.
"I have no doubt I'll be playing this week."
NRL ROUND 18
Friday: Canberra Raiders v Newcastle Knights at Canberra Stadium, 7.45pm. Tickets available from Ticketek.
