Matt Moylan never thought about retiring despite another frustrating year with a chronic hamstring problem as he looms as an option to replace Shaun Johnson in the opening games of next season.
The 29-year-old has been limited to 19 matches in the last two years with the Sharks, and his manager Allan Gainey has been told he is free to find another club.
There have been doubts about the former Panthers captain's long-term future given his injury struggles, but Moylan said he hasn't thought about hanging up the boots as he heads into the final year of his lucrative deal with the Sharks.
"There was frustration and I thought I was getting on top of [the injuries] then I would have another little setback," said Moylan.
"[But] I never thought about stopping playing or being near the end. I am still pretty confident in what I can do ability wise, but I've got to nail down my training so I have enough strength in my leg.
"I need [a big pre-season] after not being able to string many games together this year."
Moylan's return looms as a pivotal one for coach John Morris, who is likely to be without New Zealand international Johnson for the opening months of the season.
"I've been working on the mechanics of my running and technique," Moylan said.
"I felt like I was starting to move well after a few sessions with him.
"It's something I want to keep working on and hopefully it helps me string a few games together and play with some confidence.
"Obviously with Shaun being down there's an opportunity there for someone to play six. My focus at the moment is just trying to get the body right. If I can get that right then I'll worry about where I play after that. I've got to have that mindset."
Moylan visited Ronald McDonald House on the eve of McHappy Day, which last year raised $5.9 million for the charity.
The former Origin representative said he gets "an enormous amount of satisfaction" out of interacting with kids who have been diagnosed with a serious illness.
"We're trying to put a smile on their faces during a hard time," Moylan said. "It's a big time for the House and hopefully they can raise a lot of money [on the weekend]."
Johnson ruptured his Achilles in the penultimate match of the regular season and is also a free agent given he's in the final year of his contract.
Moylan could be given first crack alongside Chad Townsend in the halves as long as he can stay healthy through summer, even working on his running technique with sprint guru Roger Fabri.
