Having notched up 139 top grade appearances, the 31 year old prop accepted an offer to return to the St George Illawarra Dragons this year in what could be his final season of top flight rugby league.

Having given his everything to the game he loves, the agile and skilful Latimore still has a lot to offer as evident by his fantastic performances for Cronulla in 2017, who were the reigning premiers at the time.

He has played for the Parramatta Eels, New Zealand Warriors, Penrith Panthers and most recently the Cronulla Sharks. In between, he found himself in the famous red v of the Dragons, where he is now content.

“I had another offer from another team outside of Sydney but we’re really settled and didn’t want to move,” the husband and father said.

“The club’s changed a fair bit (since last here). Even playing wise, only Jack de Belin and Jason Nightingale are still here. There are some familiar faces around, but also a lot of young guys so it’s been really refreshing.”

Latimore has a history with coach Paul McGregor, who was the reserve grade coach when Latimore played for the Dragons in 2012.

“I had a conversation with him before I signed and was told I wasn’t guaranteed a spot every week, but I have a chance to play off the bench and help mentor some of the younger players,” he said.

He will be able to do that alongside one of the world’s best props and fellow new recruit James Graham.

“We’re training really hard but as a group we should go pretty well this year,” he said.

As for whether he will play on for an 11th year in 2019?

“I’m just taking it as it comes,” he said. “I have some opportunities off the field at the end of the season, but at the same time if I’m still feeling good I’ll chat to McGregor and go around again.

“I still love footy and when I finish NRL I’ll probably play in the Wollongong competition for a couple of years.

“But no doubt I will be playing another game for the Port Sharks before I hang up the boots for good.”