South Sydney veteran Robbie Farah admits he considered walking away from the game after losing his spot in the Rabbitohs' top 17 to Damien Cook this season.
With Cook in camp for his first NSW State of Origin game on next week, Farah performed strongly in his absence as the Rabbitohs ended Cronulla's six-game losing streak in style.
It was Farah's first appearance of the season, and came after being linked with a move to a number of NRL clubs earlier this year as Cook seized his shot as an 80-minute hooker.
However, the 34-year-old Farah denied asking the club for a release because he felt he owed coach Anthony Seibold for treating him with respect since taking over from Michael Maguire.
"I never really contemplated a release because 'Ceebs' has been outstanding to me. As a footy player, all you can ask for is honesty and he was real honest with me from day one," Farah told AAP.
"He told me from day one that Cookie was going to get first crack. He's treated me with respect right throughout. He keeps telling me that I'm not a reserve grader and that I'm a big part of the squad."
Seibold hasn't asked Farah - who has nearly joined the 300-game milestone club - to play reserve grade every week, while he also encouraged him to travel to Lebanon and be recognised for his sporting career.
Farah felt he needed to repay the rookie coach, but conceded giving thought to retirement.
"It's never nice, at my age, when you've reached the highs that I have through my career, and then you find yourself back in NSW Cup towards the end of your career," he said.
"You start doubting yourself thinking: 'Have I played one year too much? Have I still got it? Am I better off walking away?'
"But I know I'd regret it if I did. I still wanted to prove that I've still got it and I still think that I can contribute to the team when I get my opportunity."
Off-contract at the end of the year, Farah is preparing for this season to be his last in the NRL.
"Whether I decide to go to England or not, anything can happen between now and the end of the year. If I'm still playing Cup for the rest of the year, then it'll be tough to go on again next year," he said.
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