Christian Wade could become the Gallagher PREM record try scorer this weekend, but he also knows he is playing to earn a contract with Newcastle Red Bulls beyond the end of the season.

Wade, 35, took his PREM career try tally to 100 with a hat-trick against Exeter Chiefs two weeks ago and is now just one behind the league’s all-time leading scorer, Chris Ashton, whom he could pass when Sale Sharks visit Kingston Park tomorrow night.

But the ruthlessness of sport is that he is playing for his future and knows scoring tries might not be enough. But he’s determined to keep playing somewhere and would love to stay in the North East next season.

The former Wasps, Racing 92, Gloucester and Wigan Warriors star, who has won one cap for England, admits his stint in the NFL with the Buffalo Bills, was a massive eye-opener, making him appreciate how hard it is to earn his place.

“Obviously, I would love to stay on, but I’m not sure what the plans are going forward. I’m going to keep doing what I do and see what happens. One big reason I wanted to come here was that Newcastle hasn’t found success in quite a few years.

“But with what was coming in, in terms of the Red Bull ownership and some of the players that they had signed, and then obviously the coaches that were coming in, I was really excited about being a part of that and finding somewhere that I could call home.

“I really bring my value and experience because, until now, I’ve only ever been at a club for about a year, doing one-year contracts. Hopefully, I’ve found somewhere where I can really stick around and bring my experience.

“As a wing, I’m expected to score a try, so I’m not sure that’s going to be enough, but ever since going to America, it just accentuated the fact more that you have to earn your place every day. I always kind of live by that,” he added.

“In the NFL, you’re seeing guys come in and out, week to week, trying out for the team. You realise that this session could be your last, this meeting could be your last.

“I’ve seen guys getting pulled out of meetings and then, by the time we finish the meeting, their stuff’s been packed and they are gone. I have no issue with earning my place and fighting for it in terms of my performance.

“I think a lot of people think that I came back to try and break the record, but I’m all about making the most of the gifts that God has given me. I think everyone can see that I’ve still got a lot of life, and a lot of sport in me and stuff.

“So, even post getting the record and post this season, I want to keep playing until I feel like I don’t have the juice anymore, let’s call it that.”