League greats to play final games

This weekend's final round of the NRL season will draw the curtain on some of the most illustrious careers in the game.

Cronulla skipper Trent Barrett and Luke Covell run out for the last time when the Sharks play Penrith on Saturday, as will Parramatta's long-serving captain Nathan Cayless against the Warriors.

North Queensland's former State of Origin winger Ty Williams will do likewise in Townsville when the Cowboys face Sydney Roosters.

Barrett's former NSW and Australia teammate Brett Kimmorley has also called time on his career and 24 hours later will play his final game when Canterbury meet Manly at Brookvale Oval.

Gold Coast's former dual international Mat Rogers is also hanging up his boots but, with the Titans involved the finals, the playmaker has at least one more game to prolong his long career.

As does St George Illawarra's two-time premiership-winning hooker Luke Priddis who is quitting after more than 300 games.

Barrett's decision to join the Sharks two years ago from English side Wigan cost him any real chance of a crack at an elusive premiership, but the former Dragons star said he had no regrets as he looked back on a 14-year career on Friday.

"There isn't just one thing that sticks out as a highlight, there have been a few," Barrett said.

"My first games for Australia and NSW are important, making my debut was great and winning the Dally M in 2000 is up there.

"The 1999 grand final was a highlight and a lowlight, but I have been very lucky to have had an enjoyable career."

The Dragons' gut-wrenching 20-18 defeat to Melbourne in front of more than 100,000 fans still haunts the club's supporters, but Barrett said not winning the big one is something he has grown to live with.

"It would have been nice, but I am not disappointed but I don't think I could have done anything else to get one," he said.

"There has been a lot of players who have not been lucky enough to win one and I am going to join them."

In addition to his 234 NRL appearances, Barrett played for Australia on 13 occasions and for NSW 11 times.

He rates current Test skipper Darren Lockyer and his predecessor Brad Fittler as two of the best he played alongside.

However, the 32-year-old rates former NSW halfback Andrew Johns as the best of the bunch.

"Locky and Freddie were terrific but Joey sticks out as the most complete player I have seen, watched and played with or against," he said.

"He was an amazing player and changed the way the game has been played."

While Barrett and Kimmorley go out on their terms, the same cannot be said for former Test stars Steve Price and Steve Simpson and Penrith winger Shane Elford.

All three have been forced to quit due to injuries, with Simpson bidding farewell to the Newcastle fans in a huge send off in front of a capacity crowd last weekend against the Dragons at EnergyAustralia Stadium.

Queensland great Price officially ended his long career midway through the season in an emotional press conference in front of his Warriors teammates.

Elford, who won a premiership with the Wests Tigers in 2005, ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament in May against Canterbury.

- AAP