Newcastle Knights forward Tyson Frizell has confirmed he is keen to play into 2027 after 16 seasons in the top grade since his NRL debut in 2011.
Frizell had a standout performance during Newcastle's triumph over South Sydney on Friday, and is using the opportunities in September to fight for a contract for next season.
The 24-year-old Wollongong product is currently without a deal in two months' time, but is eager to continue the good times in the NRL.
"I do want to play next year," Frizell told NRL.com.
"We're in the position now where the finals series is not a great time to sort out a contract. I've given the club every opportunity to see what they can do and now it will wait until I'm finished playing.
"Hopefully once I'm finished, we can sort out what I'm going to do next year but I'm definitely looking to play.
"I don't worry about it too much because if you play decent footy, things will work out. Everything happens for a reason, if nothing comes through at the end of the year, well I've had a great career. Fingers crossed I can go well in the finals and then I'm sure something will be there."
Over a long period, Frizell has established himself as a tough, reliable middle who gets through plenty of work.
With NSW Blues and Test international honours to his name, Frizell has stepped up in the wake of a horror injury toll in the Hunter.
The Knights are missing key pieces to their engine room, including Trey Mooney, Dylan Lucas, Brodie Jones and Jacob Saifiti (suspension), forcing Frizell to step up as starting prop.
Frizell finished his seventh finals game with over 130 metres with the ball, and half of those coming post-contact.
The Corrimal Cougar junior is soaking up every minute of the finals experience and admitted he has to "give it everything" as they face the formidable trip to Auckland to face the Warriors in sudden-death circumstances.
"You realise how hard it is to get here," Frizell added.
"Everyone's got a different journey in their footy career. Mine hasn't been that easy to get to finals footy.
"You don't want to let any opportunity slip away. There's kids here who don't realise what they've been given, but it's a good thing because they don't fear anything, they'll just go after it.
"I don't approach the week differently but you take it all in because we're in a position now where you can't lose any games. There's no tomorrow if you're the losing side so you have to give it everything."
The Knights will make the trip to Auckland's Eden Park for the NRL's second semi-final on Sunday.
