Paul Gallen has confirmed he's signed on with Cronulla for what will likely be his final NRL season.
After it was reported on Tuesday evening that Gallen had officially put pen to paper on a one-year deal for 2019, the Sharks co-captain took to social media to confirm the news.
"(In 1999) I sat here and agreed to my first @cronullasharks deal (and) today I signed what will probably be my last playing contract," Gallen posted on Instagram.
"I won't say there's nothing I'd change we've had some hard days but also the most amazing ones.
"I've played in every game around the world and had success at all levels.
"Thanks @cronullasharks for the opportunity. I'm here for one reason, to have success in 2019, 20 years after my first deal."
Gallen's future at the club was never considered in any doubt, after he declared his intention to play into a record 19th season and beyond his 38th birthday in August.
If he gets through next season unscathed, Gallen will remain a chance of notching up his 350th game in the NRL - a feat achieved by just three other players.
It comes after the veteran forward made the call to knock back shoulder surgery last month, after he was ruled out of Cronulla's preliminary final loss to Melbourne through injury.
'I don't want to have major surgery on my shoulder at my age. I'm just going to rehab it and get back next year," Gallen told AAP at the time.
"I'm pretty confident I'll be able to rehab it to play."
