But your claiming the playing group is aware? So you then exist in this awkward phase where your teammates know you've abandoned ship, but no one's going to talk about. Everyone's probably questioning his loyalty silently just before a grand final and he doesn't really know what they are saying or thinking of him.Because the decision is made, move on
If clearing his mind was the intent, then think about the logic of that supposed story, then tell me it's plausible.