BENJI Marshall has no regrets about rejecting a $300,000 contract extension from St George Illawarra, saying: “I know I’m worth more than that”.

On the eve of what may be his NRL farewell, Marshall has opened up to The Daily Telegraph about wanting to play on for another three years in Australia — and now taking charge of his own contract discussions to get the deal done.

While yet to find a club for 2017, the 31-year-old remains confident of getting himself sorted within six weeks of his Dragons swan song at Kogarah Oval on Saturday.

Yet even if forced into retirement, the 2005 premiership hero insists he will never regret knocking back that Dragons one-year extension back in March.

“Do I regret that? No, not at all,’’ Marshall said.

“I’m a big believer in self worth, in knowing what you’re worth. And I believe I’m worth more than that offer.

“Which may sound arrogant, cocky, whatever.

“But to put things in perspective, there are teenage halves out there right now, guys who haven’t played any NRL yet, getting paid $300,000.

“I’ve played 14 seasons and know that, if injury free, I’ll offer a lot more. On the field and off it.

“So yes, $300,000 was thrown onto the table which I declined.

“And does that look silly now? Probably.

“But not from my point of view.

“It’s all about self worth and respect. And if I’d taken that offer I wouldn’t be respecting myself.”

Yet having now ruled out a switch to the English Super League, what chance Marshall can still get his worth from an NRL rival?

“Look, clubs know I’m going to be desperate,’’ he continued. “That they won’t have to pay me what I’m worth.

“And fair enough. That’s just the truth of it.

“But I really believe I can play another three years in the NRL.

“And, yes, it will probably come one year at a time. But this time last year I finished equal second in the Dally M medal race. People forget that.

“So it’s just about backing myself now. Just as I’ve done my whole career.”

And to prove it, Marshall has begun undertaking his own contract negotiations, not only making phone calls to rival NRL coaches and CEOs, but setting up face-to-face meetings.

And why?

“If I’ve made every phone call, had every conversation I can, then I’ll know I’ve done everything possible to get on that field again,’’ he said.

“Plus, everyone seems to have a preconceived idea about what sort of person I am.

“Until they meet me, people think I’m arrogant, cocky, disrespectful. I’ve had it my whole career.

“But if I can sit down and spend 15 minutes speaking with someone, it’s different. I’ve had thousands of people say to me over the years ‘hey, you’re actually alright’.

“While I may play cocky on the field, off it I’m the opposite.

“So if I can get in front of coaches and CEOs, let them actually see what I’m like rather than just talk to them over the phone, I feel those preconceived ideas can go to the side.”

Asked which clubs had shown interest in his services, Marshall added: “I’m working on a couple of things but, right now, I’d like to keep those quiet.

“I’ve had offers from English clubs but that’s out of the question now. It’s not right for my family.

“Plus with the media commitments I have, it’s about doing what’s best for the next 10 years rather than just the next two.”