Paul Gallen has vowed to play on in the NRL even if it's not with the Cronulla Sharks.

Although the Sharks skipper would be reluctant to relocate when his contract expires at the end of this year, Gallen has left the door ajar for a potential move.

"I'm off contract so I'll see what happens," Gallen said. "I'd like to stay here. I am playing next year. I have no doubt about that with the way I've trained this pre-season and the way I played in the trial. I'm very confident I'm at the top of my game.  I'll be playing next year. Hopefully it's here.

"I don't want to [leave to] be perfectly honest. I'm at the stage of my career when there is only a year or two to go. I need to make the best decision for me and my family that will do it.

"[Leaving is] not something I'm looking at doing, hopefully things will work out here."

Discussions with Gallen started midway through last year but were shelved as the Sharks battled with the fallout of the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority's investigation into the club. Those negotiations were with then chief executive Steve Noyce who has since been replaced by Lyall Gorman, whose main priority had been enticing Daly Cherry-Evans to the club.

Gallen has floated the idea of extending his 15-year stint at the club by one more season before finishing his career in the English Super League. The NSW captain said his body is in good shape after injuries and a drug suspension restricted him to just nine games last year.

"We started [negotiations] midway through last year but nothing has been spoken about," Gallen said. "I'm off contract, I'll see what happens. I haven't missed a session in pre-season which is good. I've got to take it into the season now and stay healthy."

Gallen will end his NRL exile on Sunday against the Raiders where he will pack down alongside former rival Michael Ennis for the first time.

"I'm looking forward to playing alongside Ennis," Gallen said. "He is just a really well rounded person, even outside of footy. Everyone knows I'm great at training and a good leader but I'm probably a little rough around the edges.

"He's not. He is just almost too perfect some times. I just love the way he trains and the way he plays and the energy he puts in. Hopefully it's going to rub off on the team."