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FORCED to contemplate his future for a second year running, Anthony Minichiello has declared he'll never play against the Roosters.
Ahead of tonight's big local derby against Souths, Minichiello gave the strongest possible signal that he'd rather switch codes or move overseas than oppose the club he's been at since 1997.
"I'm certainly keeping my options open overseas," he told Sport Confidential.
"I couldn't see myself playing for another NRL club, to be honest.
"Ideally I can stay and finish my career here. I would love to do that, and I still feel as though I've got a lot of years left in me."
This season Minichiello has certainly reasserted his durability - playing every game including trials for the first time since his wretched run of back and ankle injuries struck in 2006.
Doubts over whether his body would recover eroded Minichiello's bargaining power to the point where the former Golden Boot winner had to be content with a one-season extension at Bondi Junction last year.
Now restored to his preferred position at fullback, the 30-year-old has no hard feelings about the fact he's back at the bargaining table once more.
"That's just part and parcel of being a footy player and getting injuries," Minicheillo said. "I don't get filthy about that sort of stuff - whether or not I should've signed a long-term deal earlier.
"I know the longer I play, the better I will feel, and the more chance there is we can work something out."
Minichiello is hopeful the NRL's current salary cap review will offer greater incentives and concessions for the Roosters to ensure he remains a one-club player.
"I'm definitely waiting on something to come out of that," he said. "Players who've been at the same club for 10 years should definitely be rewarded more."
It's a real shame to have to say this because Mini has been one of my all time favourite Rooster players but i think it's the right time that he moved on because we all know that he is past his best, and i think it would be a lot more beneficial not only for the club but for Mini as well if he went overseas or to union.
Ahead of tonight's big local derby against Souths, Minichiello gave the strongest possible signal that he'd rather switch codes or move overseas than oppose the club he's been at since 1997.
"I'm certainly keeping my options open overseas," he told Sport Confidential.
"I couldn't see myself playing for another NRL club, to be honest.
"Ideally I can stay and finish my career here. I would love to do that, and I still feel as though I've got a lot of years left in me."
This season Minichiello has certainly reasserted his durability - playing every game including trials for the first time since his wretched run of back and ankle injuries struck in 2006.
Doubts over whether his body would recover eroded Minichiello's bargaining power to the point where the former Golden Boot winner had to be content with a one-season extension at Bondi Junction last year.
Now restored to his preferred position at fullback, the 30-year-old has no hard feelings about the fact he's back at the bargaining table once more.
"That's just part and parcel of being a footy player and getting injuries," Minicheillo said. "I don't get filthy about that sort of stuff - whether or not I should've signed a long-term deal earlier.
"I know the longer I play, the better I will feel, and the more chance there is we can work something out."
Minichiello is hopeful the NRL's current salary cap review will offer greater incentives and concessions for the Roosters to ensure he remains a one-club player.
"I'm definitely waiting on something to come out of that," he said. "Players who've been at the same club for 10 years should definitely be rewarded more."
It's a real shame to have to say this because Mini has been one of my all time favourite Rooster players but i think it's the right time that he moved on because we all know that he is past his best, and i think it would be a lot more beneficial not only for the club but for Mini as well if he went overseas or to union.
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