Cronulla skipper Paul Gallen is set to play on in 2019, taking his NRL career into a record 19th season.

Just two days after turning 37, Gallen has decided against retiring.

Sharks coach Shane Flanagan has consistently said he would welcome Gallen’s decision to go around again given his form over the first 22 rounds.

While the Sharks ironman’s minutes have dropped this year, the former NSW captain has still averaged 133m per game, the seventh most of any forward in the league, according to Fox Sports Stats.

Gallen is the current co-holder, along with fellow Sharks great Andrew Ettingshausen and teammate Luke Lewis, for most seasons in the NRL with 18.

However he will move past both of them should he step onto a field in 2019.

Gallen has played 321 games for Cronulla since debuting in 2001 and captained the side to their first premiership in 2016.

With three games and a finals series to go this year, another season will give Gallen a chance at break through the 350-game barrier.

Cameron Smith (379), Darren Lockyer (355) and Terry Lamb (350) are the only three players to achieve the milestone.

Sydney Roosters halfback Cooper Cronk (343) will join the elite club either in the grand final should the Roosters play four finals games and make it through to the season decider or in early 2019.

Heading into Saturday’s clash with North Queensland, the Sharks are well entrenched in the race for a second premiership in three years in sixth spot.

Should the Sharks lift the Provan-Summons trophy, Gallen will become the oldest player in 96 years to be crowned a premiership winner.

The Sharks skipper will be 37 years, one month and 16 days old on grand final day on September 30.

According to League Information Services, George Green – who was 38 years, eight months and 20 days when he won the 1922 NSWRL decider with North Sydney – is the oldest-known premiership winner.

Gallen would slot in behind Green if the Sharks are successful.

Since debuting in 2001, Gallen has made 50,938m – an average of 159m per game. It’s believed to be an all-time league record.