Zeb Taia didn't miss a match in the premiership rounds, and played every minute of all but five of the 24 games, so to have to withdraw minutes before the elimination play-off was heartbreaking.
The skilful back-rower had a wonderful first season in the NRL after three years with Catalans in France.
Yet last Friday night, when a quad strain forced him out during the on-field warn-up and he was replaced by Ryan Simpkins, was an unfortunate way to end his 2016 campaign.
