The fairytale ending wasn't to be but veteran backrower Lance Thompson said he wouldn't change a thing after the curtain drew on his illustrious NRL career.

Penrith spoiled Thompson's party with a shock 21-20 golden point win at Toyota Stadium on Saturday night, the 30-year-old's 239th and last first grade game after doctors told him his dodgy knee had only a game left in it.

When Thompson scored a try in the first half and Cronulla led by 10 points with 20 minutes to go, it appeared the red-headed veteran would get the send off he deserved.

He didn't, but the loss did little to sour his memories of a wonderful career spanning 14 years.

"I'd like to have won but I'm still very happy, it's a game that I'll cherish and I think the boys will be better for it next week,"Thompson said.

"But career-wise, I couldn't be more happy with what I've achieved.

"I couldn't be happier to finish with a better bunch of blokes, and I've got a lot of mates in this team which is terrific and something I'll cherish.

"We didn't win, but the try is a bit of a memory."

Thompson said he was inundated with phone calls and messages wishing him well in the lead up to the match, some from old friends and teammates like St George Illawarra coach Nathan Brown, some from people he didn't even know.

"It was just overwhelming, I just want to say thank you very much," Thompson said.

Even Penrith, although delighted with miraculously snatching the valuable two points, were sympathetic.

As Thompson publicly thanked the Cronulla crowd after the game, the Panthers players stayed on the field to applaud the backrower.

"Obviously it's an unfortunate way to go out, he's a champion who gives his all every time he's out on the field and I said to him after the game I wished him all the best in the future," Panthers captain Petero Civoniceva said.

"For us as a Penrith team, we stood over on the side there and just acknowledged what he'd done for the game."

The Sharks were shattered they couldn't "do it for Thommo".

"What he's earned in the game is a great credit to the guy and it would have been nice to send him out a winner," Sharks coach Ricky Stuart said.

"It was nice he had the opportunity to play one last game but unfortunately the result wasn't his way so it's sad, but also the end of a very, very strong career."

Halfback Brett Kimmorley said Thompson would have a lasting impact at the club.

"Just with his professionalism and the way he turns up for the game each week, he helped me out with a few things," Kimmorley said.

"He's been a pleasure to have around, a bit of a character and the last of the redheads, they're nearly gone, so I wish him all the best and hopefully for our sake he's around our club a lot longer."

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