If the shoulder packs in on him again, surely that would be the end? "It's not black and white. I'd be guided by medical staff. But I admit that for the first time in my life I'd have to contemplate retirement."

In the months of recuperation, Sterling has had time to study his life. He is something of a philosopher, and a fatalist. But he does realise how different the past three or four years could have been. Let's face it, if not for that day at Brookvale he would have been in England now – and may never have met Sharon. If not for that Roy Powell tackle he would not be confronting his third comeback. If not for the recurrence at North Sydney and the wasted year, he would not have had to contemplate so much of his life away from the game. He knows that this year could well be the most important of his life.

Back at Parramatta Stadium, the unrelenting Rowland Smith says Sterling has never done better times in the much-maligned time trials. He has no fear of the man capitulating. "I've been at Parramatta nine years and I've never seen him quit at anything. If he had two broken legs he wouldn't quit. He's never been keener or trained harder than since he's come back from the shoulder injury. It's as if he wants to prove something to those people stupid enough to write him off. I know Sterlo has a laidback attitude to life, but when it comes to rugby league, no one works harder, even though he is such a natural. And off the field, too, I've noticed he's finally grown up."

Max Sterling, who became more of a friend than an iron-fisted father after the death of his wife when Peter was nine, also sees the changes in his only son following the Sharon Buchanan connection. "About two years ago," Max recalls. "I said to his sister Chris how anaemic and scrawny he looked - as if he wasn't looking after himself. Now he's great - looks strong, is so keen and happy. Like a new bloke."

As he nears his 33rd year, Sterling's mind is utterly focused on redeeming himself. As a player, as a media man, and as a man with more commitments in life than he's ever had to face.