Only the salary cap stands in the way of South Sydney milestone man John Sutton extending his NRL career into next year.
Sutton will be the toast of Redfern on Saturday afternoon when he runs out for his 300th game for the Rabbitohs, becoming the first player in the 110-year history of the foundation club to reach the mark.
With his 34th birthday on the horizon in November, the former South Sydney skipper has proven age is no obstacle after arguably finding his best ever form this year.
As part of the Rabbitohs' dangerous left-edge, Sutton has been a driving force behind their ascension to the No.1 spot.
Through 17 games this year, the Maroubra-born and bred back-rower has made 95 metres per game - his best season average since 2012.
South Sydney coach Anthony Seibold has revealed he wants Sutton to play on and the man himself wants to go around for a 16th first-grade season next year.
It is just a matter of finding the funds to fit him into their salary cap.
"From my point of view, I'd like him to play on and Sutto would like to play on," Seibold said.
"With every club, there's salary cap constraints and so on.
"We're going through that process but both parties have indicated we'd like to see him run around in a Bunnies jersey again next year."
Sutton's teammates this week called for Sutton to be given a testimonial game, similar to what Johnathan Thurston and Cameron Smith were afforded at the start of this year.
In terms of the NRL's 10-point criteria, Sutton ticks most of the boxes. One of the NRL's rules does state representative appearances must be taken into consideration but it is not a requirement.
Sutton came close on several occasions to representing NSW however he never pulled on a Blues jumper.
Sutton's arrest in Arizona during a high-altitude training camp in 2015 could also count against him with the NRL taking a player's standing and reputation into account.
Since that indiscretion, Sutton has been a model player and not set a foot wrong.
Smith and Thurston earned $200,000 each for the testimonial at Suncorp Stadium and Seibold said he would like to see Sutton given a similar honour during the 2019 pre-season, should he decide to play on.
"I'd like to see a player, who has played 300 games for the one club be recognised with a testimonial game," Seibold said.
"I understand there's certain guidelines and rules. I'd like to think the NRL may have another look at that again.
"I'll leave that for the management but I'd love to see Sutto recognised."
