Adam Reynolds has revealed how narrowly he missed a permanent transfer to the Super League ahead of his final playing visit to England.
"It was last year or the year before, obviously trying to see if I wanted to extend my career and play a few more years but luckily enough Brisbane gave me an opportunity to go around again and I'm glad I get to do it," Reynolds explained.
Family considerations factored heavily into his thinking and influenced his final decision.
"It's pretty hard when you've got a young family and quite a big family a number of kids there. If I was to come over here it would probably be on my own and it's not ideal."
Sources indicated the most likely destination was Hull KR, the club the Broncos will face in the World Club Challenge.
That switch would have reunited Reynolds with close friend and coach Willie Peters and offered a familiar environment abroad.
He also confessed that retirement immediately after Brisbane's grand final triumph was seriously considered.
"Obviously winning the grand final and having that high, there was a bit of talk about doing it there and then on the spot," he said.
"(Well), not right on the spot but I certainly questioned whether it was worth going around again.
"Look, I love the challenge of competing with my team-mates daily but the body's not getting any younger. We've got a fair squad here. We've got some good players coming here and if I was to go around again, it would probably have to be at another club and at this stage of my career I don't think it's worth it.
In the end, Reynolds opted to remain in the NRL and continue with the Broncos rather than relocate or finish on the previous high.