Sharks star Ronaldo Mulitalo can't wait to get home for dinner on Thursday night.
When he returns from training, the Cronulla winger will have a big bowl of spaghetti bolognese waiting for him.
It's become a tradition throughout the season, Mulitalo's partner cooking up a batch of the dish, along with a serving of bread on the side, for his pre-match dinner.
It's a meal he had to go without before last week's loss to the Storm in Melbourne but he's made sure it's on the menu ahead of Friday night's sudden-death semi against the Cowboys at Allianz Stadium.
At first glance it may seem like just a bowl of pasta, but it's quickly become much more than that for the winger.
It's a sign of how much Mulitalo's life has changed over the past couple of years as he's settled down and found balance away from rugby league.
Mulitalo making moves
"My partner's been really strong in the background for me," Mulitalo told NRL.com. "She cooks me my favourite pasta before game day, she's always good for me before games.
"The best thing about getting home from Melbourne and playing in Sydney this week is spending some time with her and getting back to normality. It's good for my preparation.
"I'm a social person but I have my alone time before games. I like to come home, chill out and get myself right. Knowing everything else is looked after outside of that is the nicest feeling."
Match: Sharks v Cowboys
Finals Week 2 -
home Team
Sharks
4th Position
away Team
Cowboys
5th Position
Venue: Allianz Stadium, Sydney
Match broadcasters:
- WatchNRL
Mulitalo has always been a polarising figure, a player who grates rival players and fans on the field, but a selfless man off it.
The winger spends countless hours each year giving back to the community and was the 2001 Ken Stephen Medal winner for his support of various charities and social programs.
2024 Ken Stephen Medal finalists
Mulitalo has helped deliver the NRL's Voice Against Violence and League Bilong Laif programs in Papua New Guinea, while he has also supported the Sharks All Abilities School program.
The footballer is also an ambassador for Stepping Stone House, a charity supporting young people experiencing homelessness.
It's work that often goes unnoticed, with many fans only watching the passionate player on the field.
Mulitalo acknowledges he sometimes lets his emotions get the better of him but said he's been working hard to maintain his composure during matches.
A loving partner and the introduction of a new puppy to the relationship have helped this cause significantly.
Ronaldo wreaking havoc
"I've never been a dog person but I took a leap of faith and we decided we're going to get a dog," Mulitalo said. "It completely changed my perspective on so many things and life is one of them.
"I've had some bad days and games I haven't been happy with and to come home and hear my dog barking, wagging his tail at the front door is one of the best feelings in the world.
"I'm a real intense person, having a dog allows me to wind down and care for something other than myself. Footy's a selfish game, you're looking after yourself and thinking about you so having a dog has given me a bit of responsibility.
"It sounds like I've got a kid but it's changed my life so much. I'm not one of those people who just goes for walks so to be able to get out with my four-legged mate and my partner to clear my mind is really nice."
Mulitalo's happiness off the field has directly translated to his performances on it throughout the season and he has taken his freakish try-scoring ability to another level.
Ronaldo Mulitalo Try
The flyer has crossed for 17 tries this year and looks destined to surpass the great Andrew Ettingshausen as the Sharks all-time leading try scorer.
Remarkably, he has now reached double figures in five-straight seasons and shapes as a crucial figure in Friday's sudden-death semi-final.
The Sharks acknowledge they were below their best in Melbourne last weekend but Mulitalo said the squad has not had time to dwell on that result.
"Last week's loss comes with disappointment but you've got to dust yourself off pretty quickly," he said.
"That's the good thing about a short turnaround. Some people don't like it but it's a good opportunity for us to get back on the field and rectify the result."
Mulitalo credits much of his success this year to his routine away from football, having established what works for him after years of trial and error.
A humble bowl of spaghetti bolognese has become a key part of his preparation and the winger is determined to ensure Thursday night isn't the last bowl he eats this season.
"As I'm getting older, I'm learning more things and picking up little things," Mulitalo said. "It's become a big part of my game.
"I'm starting to know the repercussions when it doesn't go right and the benefits when it does go right."
