The 31-year-old four-time club player of the year hasn’t played since round three after routine cleano-out operation on an injured knee resulted in an infection that required further surgery and ultimately brought about the premature end to his career.

Creagh was named in the Dragons squad to take on Newcastle on Tuesday in the No.12 jumper he wore for the bulk of his 270-game career.

With the Dragons out of finals contention, his appearance on the team sheet prompted suggestions he may make a brief cameo against the Knights but Creagh ruled himself out on Wednesday.

“For me to play on Saturday it would be a token game and I’m not interested in playing a token game,” Creagh said.

“I don’t want to run on for 10 minutes and be stressing about my knee the whole time. I wouldn’t be able to compete properly and do everything not to let my mates down. I’m not in a position how my knee is right now to do that.

“The club’s done a really nice thing by giving me the 12 jersey. I played a lot of footy in that jumper and it’s a really nice gesture. 

I’m pretty excited about the week and excited about Saturday’s game. I won’t be playing but I can’t do much about it. It’ll just be great to be around the boys in the warm-up and prep for the game and have a fair few family and friends there as well.”

It’s not the ideal end but Creagh said he’s enjoyed the home stretch since making his retirement announcement two weeks ago.

“It’s definitely been a load off my shoulders because it’s been a long season trying to get back and play again,” Creagh said.

“Finally making the decision and making the announcement let’s a bit of pressure off and lets me just enjoy time with the boys.

“It’s been a nice couple of weeks and even though I haven’t got to play it’s been a nice finish.”