It was proof the man they call Gypsy remains one of the classiest finishers in the business. What isn’t as easily revealed is that he is also one of the classiest blokes off the the paddock.

The true ‘clubman’ is a dying breed in the modern game but Nightingale epitomizes the term. He’s turned down several more lucrative offers to stay with the Dragons over the years.

When his last contract was up the Warriors put a hefty deal on the table but again he chose to stay with the Dragons.

He’s off-contract this year and his next contract will likely be his last. It might prompt some players to go on the open market for one last financial top-up but he wasn’t interested.

More than that, with the likes of Gareth Widdop, Josh Dugan, Russell Packer and Tim Lafai off-contract earlier this season, he was willing to wait at the back of the line.

“I’d love to stay and I will stay, I’m not going to go and test myself on the market,” Nightingale told Kick-off earlier this season.

“They’ve given me the impression that they want to keep me and that’s as far as our conversation really needs to go.

“I’m sure we’ll talk again once they sort out everything with other players that may want to test the market or reach their value potential. 

“That was probably a contract for me four years ago but this one’s about playing here.”

 Let’s hope that new deal is sorted out sooner rather than later.