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In the early part of the 2024 season, Steele Sidebottom had lost that sublime touch and cleanliness with the football that has defined his now 353-game career.

“I was shithouse, basically,” the super veteran recalled of those hard times. “Basically, just like my touch and footy – everything was sort of a little bit off.”

Sidebottom had not experienced such a deep recession, in a career of near-constant productivity. He wondered if the game had left him behind.

Did he think he was finished? “I had serious questions,” he admitted.

Craig McRae had gently dropped him from the team for a crucial game at the Gabba against Saturday’s opponents, without using the language of omission.

“Because my form wasn’t up to scratch,” Sidebottom said.

“I feel like I’ve been able to perform for

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