HE'S dead-batted questions about his looming departure all season, but outgoing Dragons star Tyson Frizell admits his last game for the club has still managed to creep up on him.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Test back-rower was at the centre of a bidding war between the Dragons and the Knights last off-season, ultimately committing to the Hunter club prior to season kickoff.
It was a tough pill to swallow for the red v faithful, with the 28-year-old arguably the club's biggest star over the past five seasons in which he's been a permanent fixture in the NSW and Australian Test sides - often putting his body through hell to do it.
It's far from the farewell season he was hoping for. For one he didn't expect to be playing under a caretaker coach - who's also on his way out of the club - come round 20, but he's keen to finish on a good note.
"I probably only started to think about it this week, it's been eight-nine years at the club," Frizell said.
"It's gone pretty quick to be honest, it's been pretty up and down. There's definitely been some highs and plenty of lows to but I've really enjoyed my time at the club.
"It's given me a lot over the years and I'm very thankful to club for where I've got to in my career and who I've become as a person as well. All I want to do is play as well as possible on the weekend, it's the best way I can say thanks.
"In the selfish sense I want to really enjoy it. You don't always realise how lucky you are to play in the NRL and I've been very lucky to play for this club too. I've got one game left and I'm going to make the most of it. If we put in a good performance and get the win I'll come out a happy man."
Frizell will be the latest in a mass exodus of big names out of the club, with the likes of Gareth Widdop and James Graham having departed over the last two seasons.
Paul McGregor also moved on midway through what was his sixth season in charge, with Dean Young set to follow after Sunday's clash with Melbourne.
It will see the Anthony Griffin era start from a clean slate, though fans might get an indication of what it could look like when a youthful team runs out at Kogarah on Sunday.
Cody Ramsey, Max Feagai and Jayden Sullivan will all feature in backline that leaves Euan Aitken - who's also departing - feeling like an old head for the first time his career.
"I'm the most experienced back-line player from one to seven which is a bit of a crazy one, that hasn't happened for me before," Aitken said.
"Cluney [Adam Clune] is the oldest and he only debuted this year. It's definitely something that's important for the club moving forward, they need to blood these guys and give them a crack.
"I want to go out a winner with the Dragons and these junior guys want to start something good here. They get that chance this weekend."
Aitken insists he won't leave with any sour grapes despite not being offered a contract by the club he debuted for as a teenager.
"It does sneak up on you a little bit, I never focus too much on the long-term, you can't in rugby league," he said.
"I'm looking forward to a new opportunity with the Warriors. I feel like I've put some form together this year, it was [the Dragons] choice not to keep me, but I think I can be an asset for the Warriors and hopefully I can do some big things there."