He’s had a super year. He’s the form five-eighth of the competition. Obviously, he had his dramas that meant he had to leave Penrith and I reckon it’s been tough for him, seeing Penrith’s success the last two years. He’s a proud Mount Druitt boy. He’s signed with Hull next year, but it won’t surprise me if he finds himself back in the NRL in the next couple of years.

Now we’re down to the last match, how do you reflect on your career?

I’m proud. I’m really proud. I feel proud that I’ve been able to play for so long and proud of what I’ve achieved. When you’re playing week to week, you don’t appreciate everything. I’ve given it everything: my energy, my obsession to rugby league for a long time. I’m looking forward to opening my mind to new things.

Career highlights?

The grand final win [with the Roosters in 2013] for sure. When you think back on your career, you think of all the great Roosters teams I’ve played in; the culture and feeling around that group, they’re the things I remember. We were so connected. Every time I ran out for NSW was a privilege. [Laughs] There was some criticism around those times, but I’ll be telling my kids how good those times were.

Did you feel a sense of closure winning that last game for the Blues in the 2019 series decider?

Yeah, I did. That was a highlight I’ll never forget because of the pressure on that team. The way the game finished … you can’t replicate that sort of feeling.

You had a few off-field incidents during your NRL career. What did they teach you?

Going to rehab was a big turning point in my life. In those moments, there’s a lot of shame. You feel like you’ve let the club down. The person I was then, drinking heavy and bingeing … it was poor leadership. The experience I got out of rehab and meeting all these people from all around the world, it was an actual blessing. Looking back with an older head, that was a time that was a lot of growth for me.

There was plenty of speculation earlier this year about you coming back to the NRL for either the Tigers or Roosters. Did either of them approach you?

Yeah, they did. I was open to playing another season. There were a couple of opportunities floating around in the NRL. Catalans also wanted me to play another year. But there was a lightbulb moment when, for the first time in my career, I was looking forward to something different. I still love playing footy — I love running out there and competing — but if I went again, would I have the motivation I’ve had in the past? That’s how I arrived at my answer to retire.

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Have the Roosters come knocking about returning in some role?

There might be an opportunity there. I’ve got a great relationship with Nick [Politis, Roosters chairman] and Robbo [Trent Robinson, coach]. Nick has always been a loyal supporter of my career, even when I left the club. I’d like to do some mentoring stuff, coaching young halves. I learned a lot from older guys coming through. I know how much that benefitted me. I’d like to help with that type of stuff. I also want to take some time off and see what else is out there.

I notice on your WhatsApp pic that you’ve got the little French moustache. Is that going to stay?

I’ve got a beard now. You have to keep them guessing!