When the Reds began their 2011 Super Rugby campaign, Beau Robinson was pulling beers at the Irish Heart in Goodna and considered a bolter to make the squad. Now, after an amazing six months, he looms as a key player in their grand final bid.
After a long apprenticeship under Phil Waugh at the Waratahs, Robinson rolled the dice and trekked to Ballymore for the opportunity to train in the extended Reds squad, hoping to get his hands on the No.7 jersey left vacant by Daniel Braid.
Astute coach Ewen McKenzie recognised his talent and granted him the opportunity. His rugged ball-winner has repaid him on countless times this season.
The underdog story is headed towards a worthy final chapter, as Robinson and the Reds meet with Richie McCaw's Crusaders – the long-time powerhouse of Super Rugby – in what will likely be a sold-out final at Suncorp Stadium.
In every minute Robinson has played for the Reds, he's been fearless and relentless in his attack of the breakdown.
He wins the ball at pivotal moments and from the outside looking in he appears like the heart of an underrated Reds pack.
After his years of comparative anonymity on the fringe at the Waratahs, Robinson said that he was adjusting to an increased profile, but proud to be earning respect and reward for his style of selfless play.
"I am still getting used to (the attention) a bit. I'm quite enjoying it. It's great to be back here and with the way the team's been going it's worth it," he said.
"I've always played this way. I've just been taught to give it all you've got and you should never leave anything in the tank. One hundred percent. And I suppose that's just how I live by and play my rugby."
"Growing up in Dubbo that's just how it was - you didn't have to be the best player as long as you got stuck in and had a bit of a go."
"I've always prided myself on that and that's what I plan on doing (on Saturday night)."
"If people are thinking that way about me, that's the sort of esteem I want to be held in."
It would have been farcical to predict before the season began, but one of the most highly anticipated battles of the Super Rugby final will be between All Blacks juggernaut Richie McCaw and Robinson, the Reds' bargain acquisition.
Robinson was excited by the chance to compete with McCaw, but said that negating the master flanker would be a matter of creating momentum and pushing back the defence with strong go-forward.
"You always look forward to coming up against quality opposition and testing yourself. But as I've said, I've probably got the least amount of influence on how he plays," he said.
"If we work hard, get up over the advantage line and get front football for the backs that will go a long way to nullifying the influence he has at the breakdown."