Brisbane captain Alex Glenn has revealed he will decide his future in the coming months but admits retirement is an option, saying the NRL's hectic pace is "pushing us older players out".
Glenn's back-row spot next year appeared under threat after the Broncos' announcement on Thursday that they had signed Penrith's Queensland star Kurt Capewell on a three-season deal from 2022.
The club is also considering the prospect of bringing South Sydney forward Jaydn Su'A back to the club.
Glenn - 33 later this month and off contract - said he felt no pressure from the club as he mulled over whether to play on, claiming the decision would depend solely on whether his body holds up in the coming months.
"I was stoked that Kurt signed for the team. It wasn't 'where do I stand for next year?'," he said.
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"I am grateful that our club has locked in a star player in the back-row position.
"It was not ... [making him wonder] whether I will retire or play on one more year - I still haven't made my decision yet."
Glenn, who was restricted to eight matches last year due to injuries, admits he had not yet hit top gear leading into Sunday's home clash with Cronulla - his fourth game back after being sidelined for six weeks with a torn calf.
The former Kiwi international said he would "have a good crack" in the next few weeks and determine whether his body could cope before deciding whether to extend his Broncos career into a 14th season.
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"It comes down to myself. I think over the next month or so I will sit down with the missus and my manager and have some honest conversations," he said.
"I have always said I don't want to be a player who is too selfish and plays on one year too long.
"I am still finding my feet after coming back from my calf injury. I just want to make sure over the next three to four weeks I want to see where I am at in this competition.
"It is getting faster and faster. The reality is that it is pushing us older players out.
"If I don't give it a good crack then it will be hard for me to make my decision."
Glenn said Brisbane were happy to wait for the veteran to make up his mind.
"The Broncos have been really good. They haven't been pressuring me or anything," he said.
"They have been so supportive of what I am doing.
"My actions do all the talking. We haven't been playing too well but I have always been someone who likes to lead through his actions and making sure I am handling my business.
"It's just about myself making the decision on what I want to do. I just have to see honestly where we are physically and mentally."
Glenn has had a turbulent time since taking over the captaincy last year, enduring an injury-riddled 2020 before Brisbane claimed their maiden wooden spoon.
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The Broncos are again last on the ladder heading into their clash against eighth-placed Cronulla after four straight losses, including a 46-0 thumping at home from South Sydney before last week's bye.
But the ever-smiling Glenn was staying positive, saying a week off and Kotoni Staggs's long awaited return from a 2020 ACL injury had buoyed the Broncos.
"That week off last week couldn't have come at a better time," he said.
"This season we have just been getting dominated. But we have come back mentally refreshed with a different attitude.
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"The squad's energy, motivation to chase victory and finish the season strong has gone through an all-time high.
"The most important thing is that we can't put all that pressure on Kotoni to perform the way he left off. He is going to take a couple of games to get his mojo back and start carving up again but he brings confidence."
Glenn said ex-Queensland winger Corey Oates's recall had also boosted the troops.
"He has a spring in his step this week," he said of Oates who slots into the backline with Queensland winger Xavier Coates rested after State of Origin game two.
"He's still Oatesy. He is loud and chirpy, doesn't shut up at training but that is how I want him. I want him bouncing around. It's just good to have him back on the wing."
The Broncos' newfound exuberance could be seen at Thursday's training session where lock Thomas Flegler came off second best in a tackle with a bloody nose.
"It was an unfortunate one there. Fleggy went into a tackle with TC [Robati] and copped some knuckles - he was a bit dazed but Fleggy is up and about, in good shape," Glenn said.
"This week has been the best we have trained all year. The way we walked off the training field, we were bouncing around confident, that's the way you should be.
"In previous situations you are still second-guessing on how you are going to defend or how you are going to play. That wasn't the case this week. Everyone has bought in. Now we have to keep the momentum going."
