Robert Toia was reluctant to rank himself among the NRL's top three centres during Grand Final week.
After helping the Sydney Roosters to premiership glory with a standout defensive performance against Bradman Best, he was ready to acknowledge the belief he has in his own ability.
"Everyone has an opinion. But personally, yeah, I like to think I'm the best," Toia told ESPN in the victorious Roosters dressing room.
It was a glimpse of the confidence behind his performance, with Toia still coming to terms with the achievement unfolding around him.
"I'm so speechless," he said.
"I can't believe this is real. It's so surreal."
Toia had been unwilling to nominate his place among the competition's leading centres when asked by ESPN earlier in the week.
On Sunday night, his assignment against Best gave him the opportunity to demonstrate why he belongs in that conversation.
The Newcastle star presented a significant challenge on the game's biggest stage, but Toia embraced the responsibility of containing one of the Knights' most dangerous attacking weapons.
"I just knew how big of an occasion it was, and I just knew the boys wanted me to do a job," Toia said.
"Like you said, Bradman Best is one of the best centres, and I pride myself on being one of the top centres, so I just had to do my job."
His defensive performance provided substance behind that self-belief.
Against an opponent capable of changing a game with a single carry, Toia delivered an important contribution to the Roosters' premiership triumph.
His explanation centred on the responsibility he felt towards his teammates and the respect he held for his opposite number. He understood the challenge, backed himself to meet it and knew what the players alongside him needed.
While Toia was confident in his ability, he remained measured when asked whether the premiership marked the beginning of a long and successful career.
"Hopefully, God willing," he said.
"I'm just taking it day by day, year by year, I guess. I'm hoping my body pulls up sweet."
He was more emphatic about the Roosters' chances of challenging again.
With players departing the premiership-winning squad, next season will bring changes. Toia believes the confidence within the group can carry into its title defence.
"Yeah, I'm so confident," he said.
"There's obviously some boys leaving, but the belief in this group is so massive.
"No doubt that we have the mindset and we have the boys, so we go again."
For now, the next campaign can wait.
Toia has a premiership to celebrate - and a performance on the biggest stage to reinforce his place among the game's leading centres.