Jamie Buhrer didn’t say it in as many words.
You just get the impression he feels like his NRL future at the Knights may well come down to the final seven games of the season starting with Gold Coast Titans on Saturday at McDonald Jones Stadium.
The Newcastle co-captain is coming off contract with his new manager Isaac Moses currently in negotiations with the club for a new deal.
Where that stands is hard to get a read on.
Despite being highly thought of within the playing group, Buhrer has spent a great part of the season coming off the bench and knows on-field performance will play a major part in determining his future at the club.
On the eve of the Titans game, Buhrer was understandably reserved when asked about his playing future.
“Obviously, this is where I want to be and the talks are on-going,” he said.
Was he feeling comfortable with his position?
“It is what it is in rugby league, I suppose. My manager - that’s his job to worry about it. He is talking to the club,” he said.
“I just want to do everything I can to make sure every performance is a good one for the team. Making sure I’m doing the right things so there is a reason to kind of want me back essentially.”
Buhrer’s versatility and influence within the playing group both on and off the field should ensure he is rewarded with a new deal but a good contribution in a win over the Titans will obviously aid his cause.
The last time the two sides met earlier in the season, the Titans won a low standard game 33-26 with the Knights throwing it away in the final 15 minutes after seemingly having control.
Buhrer hasn’t forgotten the missed opportunity.
“The Titans are in a similar position to us. They have had some good wins this year and like us, they have had some bad losses,” he said.
“That last game is certainly something we have spoken about.
“I think it goes without saying we have had a couple of games this year where we have had large lapses that has ended up costing us points and the Titans game in particular is one that sticks in the memory.”
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Teammate Nathan Ross agrees.
“From a team point of view, it goes down as a game we probably thought we should have won,” he said.
“They were down to 11 players at one point and you can’t take away how hard the Titans fought to win that game and they showed a lot of ticker to come and take the game off us because we were in the lead.
“But it’s a whole different ball game down here.”
The big inclusion for the Knights from the last time the sides met is halfback Mitchell Pearce, who made a huge difference in last week’s win over the Eels.
“Without Mitchell, we probably forgot how to win those tight games.It’s great to have Mitchell back because he makes a hell of a difference,” Buhrer said.
