In a boost for the Sharks going forward into 2018, captain Paul Gallen has signed a one-year contract extension.
Gallen, who last year retired from representative football, put pen to paper on the new one year deal on Friday however not wanting to take the limelight away from teammate Luke Lewis's 300th game, requested the official announcement be delayed until after the match against Souths.
Himself approaching the 300-game milestone, Gallen was pleased with his form in 2017 and had no hesitation in pushing his NRL career into an 18th season.
"I'm very happy to sign for another year," Gallen said. "If I was a betting man you would probably say its my last contract, but you never say never and I'm enjoying my football at the moment.
"I haven't had any issues with the body this year, I think retiring my rep footy has been a plus for my body, but also for my mind."
Gallen began his career at the Sharks in 2001, debuting against the Eels in round 15.
From there he has gone on to play 297 NRL games, 32 Test matches for Australia and 24 Origins for NSW, captaining the VB Blues to a series victory back in 2014.
The man who in 2016 led the Sharks to an NRL premiership had every confidence the squad assembled for 2018 can again be a premiership force.
"This year is the big focus but if you look at the squad for next year, most if not all the boys will be here and we will be adding Josh Dugan. We've also got some really good young players coming up," Gallen said.
"The future is looking really good for the club."
