St George Illawarra hooker Damien Cook is approaching his 11th NRL season and aims to remain on the field.
The Dragons began talks during the off-season about a one-year extension that would keep him at the club through 2027.
Discussions are ongoing as both sides work through terms amid outside speculation about Cook's future.
He entered the break unsure about how his body would respond but came through pre-season feeling strong.
"I want to keep playing. I think pre-season is always a good guide to see where your bodies at and I've come out of this one feeling really good, really fit and still loving it," Cook told foxsports.com.au.
"I think that's the most important part. My body's good, and I'm still loving what I'm doing. I love going to training every day and just want to get back to footy, which is coming around soon.
"If I was hating going to training and I wasn't enjoying what I was doing, that's when it gets a bit tough, but at the moment the love is still fully there, and I want to keep going on."
The club has also boosted its roster by signing former Rabbitohs teammate Keaon Koloamatangi to a five-year contract.
That acquisition offers Cook an added reason to extend his stay and a familiar partner on the field.
I want to play alongside him," the dummy-half stated.
With fitness on his side and motivation intact, Cook appears poised to keep contributing at a high level next season.
Both the player and club will likely finalise details in the weeks ahead as the season approaches.