Tyson Frizell has revealed Newcastle never tabled a formal contract offer before his move to Wests Tigers, with the veteran forward weighing up retirement and opportunities in Super League before deciding to continue his NRL career under Benji Marshall.
Speaking after the Tigers deal, which ESPN first reported early last month, was signed, Frizell said the Knights had explored ways to retain him but were unable to finalise an offer.
"At the end of the day, there wasn't an actual contract on the table, but the club were trying to do whatever they could to try and make things work," Frizell told ESPN.
"It just didn't pan out in the end."
Frizell described a complicated process involving Newcastle trying to find room and move players around, while stressing he had enjoyed his time at the club.
He suggested there remained scope to push for a solution at the Knights, but ultimately he sat down with his family to consider whether to stay, head overseas or finish his playing career.
The Tigers emerged as the best fit, allowing him to remain in the NRL while moving back to Sydney and closer to family.
Marshall's pursuit, meanwhile, had been years in the making.
Frizell revealed the pair had discussed a potential move on several occasions, with the Tigers also a genuine option before he signed his previous three-year Newcastle deal.
Conversations about his latest opportunity developed around the middle of this season, although their relationship meant discussions extended beyond contracts and football.
"I've always had conversations with Benji," Frizell said.
"Last time I signed a three-year deal, Tigers were a genuine option for me to go to."
While Frizell had opportunities to explore a move to Super League, remaining in Australia was his preference.
His wife's business and the sacrifices she had made throughout his career were central to that decision, with the prospect of another relocation for a short overseas stint holding little appeal.
"My whole preference, my whole career, was always to stay in the NRL for as long as I can," Frizell told ESPN.
"I've got a family. I've got a wife that's got a business over here that she's sort of put on the back foot for a long time."
Frizell acknowledged the demands his career had placed on those around him.
"I've always been selfish my whole career. You have to do what, I guess, is part of being an athlete," he said.
"For us, moving back to Sydney was the best choice."
The move will allow the family to settle closer to home while pursuing their business plans in Sydney.
Frizell is yet to decide whether next season will be his last, leaving the door open to playing beyond his initial Tigers deal.
Rather than setting a retirement date, he will assess his body, motivation and performances before discussing his future with the club towards the back end of next year.
"I'll just be going to the Tigers and playing as well as I can," Frizell said.
"See how the body and the mind is.
"If the club wants me and I'm still willing to play and think I'm playing well enough, then I'll keep going."
Detailed discussions about his position and role under Marshall are still to come.
Frizell said their conversations had largely centred on the opportunity to join the Tigers, with his focus remaining on Newcastle throughout their run to the Grand Final.
He made his decision during the finals series but said his experience helped him manage the uncertainty surrounding his future.
"It's not a distraction, but it's always there in the background that you can't sort of shake," he told ESPN.
"But it doesn't overwhelm me at all."
Having been part of Newcastle's rise from wooden spooners to Grand Finalists, Frizell believes struggling clubs can take encouragement from how quickly fortunes can change.
He also experienced the Tigers' potential firsthand, recalling their physical dominance when the Knights travelled to Campbelltown this season.
"We pretty much got beat physically everywhere, all over the park," Frizell said.
"They just weren't able to sustain it throughout the course of the year."
While Newcastle's turnaround has reinforced his belief in what is possible, Frizell cautioned that potential alone would not deliver success.
"It does give you confidence that you can turn things around, but it doesn't guarantee anything," he said.
"There's a lot of potential there, but it's going to take some hard work."
Among the players he is looking forward to joining is Jahream Bula, identifying the fullback as someone the Tigers could build around.
Frizell said he had admired Bula since his emergence, pointing to his natural athleticism and temperament.
"A real gifted athlete that just does things real effortlessly," Frizell said.
"He seems like a good, well-grounded kid.
"He's the kind of guy that I reckon the club could build something around."