Canterbury lock David Stagg is preparing for both an NRL preliminary final and a career after football, as his future in the game remains in limbo.
Stagg, who remains uncontracted for next season, may be pushed out of the club if salary-cap restrictions come into play, but says he’s preparing himself for a return home to Queensland if the club isn’t able to find a place for him.
“(I’m) realising I’m closer to the end and we’re preparing ourselves as best we can,” he told AAP.
Last month Stagg said he’d love to stay on with the Dogs, but was considering retirement if he couldn’t secure a new deal – the club having already signed star Manly back-rower Tony Williams for next season.
There were rumours of interest from both Penrith and Newcastle, but it seems Stagg could walk if the Bulldogs don’t come through.
“You get to a point and you’ve got to think about it (life after football),” said the 28-year-old who has a diploma in civil engineering and is completing a certificate in construction project management.
“It’s very real, and a lot closer than it was in my early 20s.
“As much as I’ve enjoyed my time down here – it’s been four years. When I do retire it’ll be time to head back to the Sunshine State.”
But before facing his potential retirement, Stagg and his teammates will face a confident South Sydney in Saturday’s second preliminary final, fresh off their 38-16 win over the Canberra Raiders last week.
He noted the gauntlet his side would need to run through in Souths’ big forward pack containing the likes of Dave Taylor, Sam Burgess and Roy Asotasi.
“When you look down the sheet and see those players it’s a massive challenge for us, but we trained really well last week and the boys are raring to go,” he said.
He dismissed suggestions that any lack of finals experience for the Bulldogs would set them on the back foot.
“Towards the back end of the year we’ve come up against some quality sides … whether you’ve got the experience or not, they’re going to get the experience this weekend, so they’ll be ready for it,” Stagg said.
“It’s not too often that you’re in a position we’re in at the moment so you enjoy that.”
Stagg is setting himself up well for a life after football although he’s still reluctant to retire, saying he would miss his teammates.
“I’ve only been involved with two clubs and they’ve both been very strong clubs,” he said.
“You have that camaraderie … it’s a special bond that’s developed, we’re with each other for long periods of time, seven days a week.
“Whichever club you’re involved with, you get attached to the guys, you enjoy their company.”
But for now, he’s looking ahead only one week at a time.
“We’ll enjoy what’s in front of us for this week – week by week, and hopefully it goes further.”
