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Paul Gallen has revealed he has pencilled in 2016 as his NRL swansong.
The NSW State of Origin captain has opened up on his future, revealing his desire for a one-year contract extension with Cronulla for next year before likely finishing his career in the English Super League.
The 33-year-old warhorse said he was feeling as fit as ever after his first full pre-season in seven years, and had no thought of ending his career after 2015 or stepping down from representative football earlier.
Gallen began talks on a contract extension last season before then CEO Steve Noyce was squeezed out of the embattled club.
He said he was was keen to pick up negotiations with current club CEO Lyall Gorman and begin planning for the end of his career.
“Another year (would be ideal),” he said.
“I know I’m getting on in age but this is the first time I’ve done a pre-season before Christmas since 2007 – it’s been a really long time because of the tours I’ve been on.
“Physically I’m still right up there in terms of strength and fitness, so I’m not falling behind in areas there and still training really good and I still really love the sport.
“I think one more year and then I’ve always said I wouldn’t mind going overseas.”
One of the few 80-minute forwards in the competition, Gallen said he would probably scale back his playing minutes this year because of the young talent coming through the club.
He was excited about the likes of Valentine Holmes and Jack Bird and touted the possibility of Wade Graham taking over the club captaincy or co-captaincy next year.
“I’ve had a lot of influence on Wade’s career and he’s said to me and publicly that I’m the only reason that he’s at the club,” Gallen said.
“I got on really well with him and I think the world of him and that’s one thing I said to Noycey (Noyce) – if I did stay on, I’d like to give Wade the captaincy, if not the co-captaincy.”
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