Departing Cronulla captain Trent Barrett admits it 'would have been nice' to win an NRL premiership but says he's leaving the game with no regrets.
The 32-year-old will call time on a stellar 15-year career that included 235 first-grade games, 15 Tests and 11 Origins for NSW, following Saturday's clash against Penrith at CUA Stadium.
Having captained NSW in Game 3 of this year's interstate series, the former Illawarra and St George Illawarra star could have easily played on for at least another season.
But the man who made his debut against Penrith way back in 1996, is convinced the time is right.
"I feel alright, quite excited and just trying to prepare for another game," Barrett said on Friday.
"It is a weird feeling but I am not sure what to expect. I will wait and see this is new territory for me."
"It was great to (beat Gold Coast at Shark Park last Saturday) in front of family and home crowd and I would like to win at Penrith to finish it off."
Barrett, who played in the Dragons' 20-18 grand-final loss to Melbourne in 1999, added of his failure to win an NRL title: "It would have been nice, but I am not disappointed but I don't think I could have done anything else to get one, there has been a lot of players who have not been lucky enough to win one and I am going to join them."
Asked about the highlight of his decorated career, Barrett replied: "There isn't one thing that sticks out, there's been a few. The first game for Australia and NSW are important, my debut, winning the Dally M."
"The 1999 grand final was a highlight and a lowlight, but I have been very lucky and I've had an enjoyable career."
While he is yet to decide what his future holds, Barrett says he'll continue to help the Sharks playmakers next season.
"I will have a break for a while, I have the kids to look after and looking forward to spending time with them," he said.
"I will spend some time with the Sharks, working with their halves and the attack and looking forward to that, but I have been doing it a long time and it has been good."
Coach Shane Flanagan admits Barrett will be sorely missed in The Shire next season.
"It's immeasurable what he brings to the club, his influence on the younger players, his communication at training, he is such a role model, I will miss him, he has been a great help for me over the last month," Flanagan said.
"I played in Brett Kenny's last game and I will always remember that a lot of players will look back and remember they played in Trent Barrett's last game for the rest of their lives."
Meanwhile, Flanagan says Paul Gallen will almost certainly take over the captaincy in 2011.
"He (Gallen) has put his hand up and been outstanding this year, some of his stats have been great," he said.
"I know Paul will do a good job he has matured since he last had the job on the field, he doesn't give away penalties anymore."
"I haven't rubber stamped it yet, but I have spoken to Paul about being captain, and some actions he has to take to get the job next year and he has done all of that and some more and I am really happy."