Jack Bird expects to be at St George Illawarra next season, despite being granted permission to speak with rival clubs.
Bird played just his second NRL game in close to three months on Sunday, filling in at five-eighth in the Dragons' crucial 32-16 win over Gold Coast.
A mainstay of the Dragons' backline over the opening stages of the season, the 29-year-old has struggled to get back into first grade after a minor ankle injury.
That prompted the former Dally M Rookie of the Year to seek permission to look elsewhere, with a year still to run on his contract at the Dragons.
But, speaking for the first time since being granted approval to do so, Bird said he expected to be at the Dragons in 2025.
"I will more likely be here next year. Obviously in football a lot can happen in a week. But I am focusing on this team and me being here next year," Bird said.
"I've got another contract here next year.
"Obviously they have given me permission, but nothing is done. I'm still here next year, my focus is still at the club.
"I haven't spoken to any other clubs, that was just to get a good feel to see who is out there. But I am still 100 per cent committed to this team and club."
Bird is also adamant he is not nearing the end of his career after 10 seasons in the NRL.
"I'm only 29, so I still think I have another four good years in me if the body holds up. And it is going well at the moment," Bird said.
"Obviously it's always hard not playing in first grade (for the past few months). But that's footy, that's the business.
"You have to train hard, you have to play good and try and make your way back in. No position is given to you.
"The last few weeks I have been playing NSW Cup, we've had a few wins and I've really enjoyed it back there. It's step by step, nothing looking too far ahead."
Bird will likely have the chance to remain in the NRL for the final three weeks of the regular season, deputising for the suspended Kyle Flanagan at five-eighth.
The Dragons play Cronulla on Sunday in Wollongong, and have their destiny in their own hands while back in eighth spot on the ladder.
Bird has not played No.6 since early 2022, but said he had been given a command to not overplay his hand while in the halves.
"If I am there again, it'll just be about keeping it simple, doing what I need to do and not try too much," Bird said.
