At this time of the year, off-contract footballers are usually sweating on a call from their manager or CEO to tell them there's a new deal on the table.
Not North Queensland veteran Ty Williams. He doesn’t care either way.
The former Maroons centre revealed on Thursday he was already preparing for life after football, regardless of whether the club pushes a new contract under his nose.
The 29-year-old from Innisfail is sifting through a number of post-football opportunities and is almost certain to walk away from the NRL after nine seasons.
"I'm going to go out on my own terms – I'm not going to go out with someone pushing me out the door," he declared.
"I'm just going to go out there and enjoy playing with the Cowboys and if a contract comes up, I'm not going to definitely take it."
"When I am ready to hang up the boots I will (but) it will be close to it at the end of the year."
Williams rates the club's maiden finals berth and grand final appearance in 2005 as career highlights and will leave the game with no regrets.
He now wants to devote his time to those closest to him.
"I've got a young family to consider. They've been through the good and the bad with me in rugby league," Williams said.
"I think it's my time to take a backward step and put them forward because they've always done that for me."
"That's my main priority, putting them first."
"My heart and soul is always here and it will be tough to walk off Dairy Farmers for the last time, but the time is right."
Williams has spent most of the season in the Queensland Cup but fought his way back into the top grade for last week's drought-breaking win over Newcastle.
His aim now is to stay there and break the 150-game mark before the end comes – a goal well within his reach, according to coach Neil Henry.
"I think Ty's had a sensational run here. He's getting close to 150 games and certainly that's a goal for him," Henry said.
"He's not far off and as I said to him I'd love for his form to hold on and for him to get that milestone. It'd be fitting for him."
"(He's had) nine years at the club and he's been a wonderful ambassador."
Williams will line up against Penrith dasher Michael Jennings in Friday night football at CUA Stadium.