If Paul Gallen had his way, Jason Taumalolo would be lining up alongside him, rather than opposite.
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That's the word from the Cowboys hardman who admits Gallen adopted the role of headhunter and tried to recruit the Kiwi.
It's a move that left Sharks officials with egg on their faces as Taumalolo developed into arguably the most damaging forward in the game.
"I spoke to him (Gallen) a bit at the All-Stars camp," Taumalolo explained on Tuesday.
"He spoke about what Cronulla is about, as any player would try to convince another to join their club.
"(And) negotiations were pretty good with them (Cronulla). They were talking about having someone there when Gal retires. But, obviously, Gal has got a fair engine – I think he has a few more years left in him."
As they prepare to meet on Friday, Taumalolo seems to be one shark who slipped through the net.