Depending on which side of the divide you sit, Timana Tahu is either a highly-principled and brave man willing to take a stand at considerable cost or a pain-in-the-arse troublemaker.
Either way, news that the Newcastle utility back is keen to reactivate his rep career via the NSW State of Origin team has caused a predictable stir between the pro-Tahu camp and those against.
The dual international created a massive controversy after walking out on the Origin side two years ago following accusations assistant coach Andrew Johns racially sledged Queensland star Greg Inglis during a Blues bonding session.
Tahu fled camp with hardly a word and to many that was an act of high treason, no matter the circumstances.
The Blues, facing the greatest Origin side in Queensland history, were already up against it.
After Tahu's abrupt exit amid great drama and disruption, their chances slipped somewhere between no hope and next to useless.
Certain NSW figures, some of whom are still involved, put the red pen through Tahu's name there and then.
They still doubt whether Johns' racial comment was the real catalyst for Tahu's walkout, pointing out that his stints at Parramatta, NSW Rugby and Penrith all ended in less than amicable circumstances.
And if Johns' insensitive remarks had burned so badly, those same people believe the matter should have been dealt with in-house.
That's perhaps unfair to Tahu who has not for one second backed away from his actions that day - and shouldn't feel the need to.
Indeed, he deserves high praise for taking such a strong stand knowing what was about to rain down on him.
But there is no doubt 'T' is paying for his past reputation.
As former NSW forward Matt Geyer, talking on Sydney radio, said: "Don't forget he walked out on league before that."
"He went to union, then he waltzed back in, went straight into the State Of Origin."
"Then, for his own reasons, left the camp because he had a bone to pick (after) something was said."
"All power to him, he stuck to his convictions, but as far as I'm concerned he should never be allowed to play in a Blues jersey again."
"He's forfeited every right to play. Once he walked out of camp, (it's) 'see ya later buddy'."
Another ex-NSW player Matthew Johns, Andrew's older brother, had a different take.
"If Timana can return to his best form, I have no problem with him coming back," he said.
"Timana's got all the ability in the world. He's a damaging defender, dynamic on those kick returns, he's brilliant."
"Timana needs to master himself - and (Knights coach) Wayne Bennett can help him do that."
At his best, Tahu would be an automatic selection in any side.
But with the Blues looking to end Queensland's six-year dominance, would selectors be brave enough to pick him and wear the baggage and drama that comes with it?