Paul Vaughan discusses prospect of playing on ahead of York Knights bow
Former Australia prop Paul Vaughan admits his future beyond 2026 is up in the air as he prepares for his first season with York Knights.
The veteran forward, who turns 35 in April, joined the Knights for their debut campaign in Super League after rejecting a new deal from Warrington Wolves.
Vaughan's contract includes an option for 2027 but he is weighing up whether to play on.
"The deal was potentially for two years," he said.
"We've been here for four years and that time has gone by pretty quickly.
"It's been a great experience for myself and my family. I think it'll be something we look back on once we go back to Australia and realise how lucky we are because not many people get to travel and play professional rugby league. It's the best thing in the world.
"Am I willing to do another pre-season? If my body holds up and I'm playing OK, I'll have a tough conversation with the wife about whether we're going to stay."
Vaughan has been managing a groin injury carried over from his spell at Warrington, which has limited his time on the field during pre-season.
However, he is now approaching full fitness and will blow away the cobwebs with a hit-out in next week's Challenge Cup tie at Barrow Raiders.
"I've had a bit of a disrupted pre-season but I've been in full training for the last few weeks and am starting to feel good," said Vaughan, who missed the final five games of last year with the issue.
"I'll have a run against Barrow to prepare for round one."
Vaughan, who represented Canberra Raiders, St George Illawarra Dragons and Canterbury Bulldogs during his long NRL career, arrived at the Knights to great fanfare after starring for Warrington.
The veteran is embracing the tag of York's star signing, aware that he will not be able to escape the spotlight in the club's maiden campaign at the top level.
"That pressure keeps you honest as a player," he said.
"You never want to feel comfortable because then things start creeping into your game. The more comfortable you are, maybe you won't give 100 per cent.
"I'm happy to have that pressure. It makes you work harder. I welcome it.
"You have to be honest in this game. If you don't try and get the best out of yourself, you're going to be shown up."