Wallabies representative Christian Lealiifano volunteered to start on the bench for the Tuggeranong Vikings to cause minimal disruption as they chased a fifth straight title.
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The Vikings instead decided to use the Brumbies star at fullback in Saturday's John I Dent Cup grand final against the Canberra Royals.
He played a pivotal role, finishing with a personal haul of 12 points, including the go-ahead penalty goal with three minutes on the clock.
But Ben Johnston's match-winning try after the full-time siren consigned Lealiifano and the Vikings to a gut-wrenching 21-17 loss at Viking Park.
"I rang [coach] Brad [Harris] earlier in the week and spoke to him about even being a fresh reserve because I don't want to disrupt what this side has had all season long," Lealiifano said.
"Fullback was easier to limit the disruption.
"I really enjoyed it, it's a lot of work."
It was Lealiifano's second game of the season for the Vikings after he didn't make the Wallabies' 23-man squad for Saturday night's Bledisloe Cup Test against the All Blacks in Sydney.
He has a long association with the Vikings, joining the club when he moved to Canberra from Melbourne.
"It's really humbling to come back where it all started and to run around with a group of boys who train so hard for each other," Lealiifano said.
"For me, it's something I really relish and enjoy.
"They've been fantastic for having me and welcoming me back.
"I'm just really disappointed for the club that we couldn't get the win today."
Lealiifano showed his class with several impressive touches.
He chimed into the back-line at exactly the right time to cross for the game's opening try in the 42nd minute to put the Vikings ahead 7-3.
His goal-kicking - questionable during the Super Rugby season with the Brumbies - was on target.
Lealiifano kicked a perfect three from three, including a clutch conversion from the sideline in the second half.
He knows all he can do is to continue to perform to keep himself in the mix for a Wallabies recall.
"I'm just being as positive as I can," Lealiifano said.
"Having an opportunity to play today was the main thing, to get some footy under my belt.
"I've just got to stay ready for an opportunity."
Lealiifano was one of five Brumbies-contracted players in the Vikings side, while the Royals had three - Siliva Siliva, Tom Staniforth and Lausii Taliauli.
