Cronulla skipper Paul Gallen has announced he will play on in 2019, taking his NRL career into a record 19th season.
Just two days after turning 37, Fairfax Media revealed on Thursday Gallen had decided against retiring.
In a statement on the Cronulla Sharks website Gallen said next year would definitely be his last.
“I said earlier in the week that I was close to making a decision on my playing future and after discussions with the club and with our coach Shane Flanagan I have made the call,” Gallen said on sharks.com.au
“While we still have some big games to go in 2018 and finishing this season on a positive note is our main focus, hopefully with another grand final appearance, I can now confirm that I will be playing on in 2019.”