NEWCASTLE Knights coach Brian Smith believes Adam MacDougall is capable of proving himself to be "the Peter Pan of rugby league" by playing on beyond the 2008 season.

MacDougall, who turned 32 in May, is one of the NRL's elder statesmen and only a handful of veterans Ruben Wiki (34), Steve Menzies (34), Steve Price (33), Danny Nutley (33) and Simon Woolford (32) have birth certificates that pre-date his.

MacDougall has one more season left on his Newcastle contract and remains uncertain about his future after that.

But Smith said he would have no qualms about offering the former Test star a new deal if his form in the early rounds of next season warranted it.

"It's something we'll all have to deal with during the season, but I think if Doogs is in good form and wants to do it again, you'd have to think there's at least a chance it will happen," Smith said.

"With most guys it becomes about their ability to keep training, but he's one player who has really looked after himself.

"As long as he's got the motivation and mental aspects and wants to keep putting himself through it, he could be the Peter Pan of rugby league."

MacDougall is in no hurry to make any decision about his playing future but has sought advice from former teammates.

"I've spoken to guys who have retired recently, like Ben Kennedy and Joey [Andrew Johns], and also to Timana Tahu, who's switching codes," he said.

"I've just been trying to get a feel from other players, and it's been pretty valuable getting their feedback.

"The advice that BK gave me was that, now I'm in my 30s, I'm best to just approach each game as if it is my last. That's the attitude I'm going into the season with.

"I'll be trying to enjoy every game, soak it up and leave nothing in the tank, then go from there.

"The advice I'm getting off everyone is that you're a long time retired, and I want to make sure I have no regrets."

MacDougall said he already had a "couple of interesting options to consider" in England, including the possibility of switching to rugby union.

"But if the Knights want me to stay, I'll definitely consider it," he said.

A veteran of five Tests, 11 Origin appearances for NSW and 141 top-grade games, MacDougall said he still enjoyed training as much as ever and gained inspiration from some of his rival NRL survivors.

"I look at guys like Steve Price, who's probably a year or so older than me, and he's probably just had the best season of his career," he said.

"And, in terms of training, the coaching staff have really made some positive changes to help the older guys out.

"The older guys don't do the same training as the younger guys, and that's going to allow us to play better and hopefully for longer.

"Brian's been very mindful of that and, from an older player's point of view, it's very much appreciated."

Smith was confident that MacDougall would bounce back from major surgery required to repair the dislocated shoulder that ended his 2007 campaign after 18 games.



"They've done so many of those shoulder operations, it's not really a major concern," Smith said.

"Nonetheless, like anyone else, he'll need to get through that and show his best form."

MacDougall, who made his top-grade debut in 1995 and is the only remaining player from both Newcastle's 1997 and 2001 grand final triumphs, said he had "embraced" his role as the club's old salt.

"The salary cap has really changed the dynamic of modern-day football sides," he said.

"There aren't too many experienced players still playing in the NRL.

"Brian said to me the other day that the few older guys we have in the game these days have become even more valuable. They have to be able to communicate and help the young guys, and help share their experience and pass on that knowledge.

"I remember when I started out we had guys like Tony Butterfield, Paul Harragon, Matthew Johns and Robbie O'Davis to give advice. Now I'm in that situation and that's part of my job, and I really enjoy helping out the young blokes."