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HE WAS pursued by Cronulla and the cashed-up English Super League but there is only one club for star fullback Anthony Minichiello.
The Daily Telegraph can reveal that Minichiello, 30, will next week sign a new deal with the Sydney Roosters - giving the club a monumental boost before Sunday's massive match against St George Illawarra at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
It is understood Minichiello will sign a new one-year deal with a handshake agreement for 2012 should his stunning form continue through next season.
After a series of back injuries, Minichiello has returned to the form with which he claimed the prestigious Golden Boot Award, for the world's best rugby league player, in 2005.
If Minichiello, who played his 200th NRL game last weekend against Parramatta, signs on for 2012 it would all but mean he becomes a rare one-club player.
"The Roosters are a special club to me," Minichiello saidlast night.
"I can't see myself playing for another NRL club against the Roosters.
Dean Ritchie says it's time for Jamie Soward to stand up on Sunday. Join Dean's live blog here
"I would be happy with a two-year deal. We will see what pans out. I have come through the grades here. I grew up at this club.
"It's the only club I have been at. It feels like my home."
With his form sharply improving each week, Minichiello said he hoped to continue in the NRL for a few seasons yet.
"The more games I get, the better I feel I am going," he said.
"I feel like I am getting back in the groove again.
"The team is going well too - that is the pleasing aspect.
"My body is feeling great. I will keep playing while my body is up to it. Petero Civoniceva is 35.
"I could see myself playing until that age. Hopefully at the Sydney Roosters."
SCG officials are hoping for a 40,000 attendance at Sunday's match between the old rivals.
Each time the Roosters and Dragons meet, the game attracts drama and headlines.
"I have only played once at the SCG early in my career," Minichiello said.
"It was a memorable game for me. I hope all the Roosters fans can get there.
"I know all the players would love to play there."
Roosters recruitment manager Peter O'Sullivan said Minichiello was nearly in career-best form.
"We want to keep Anthony for at least another year and we will see what comes after that," he said.
"He is bouncing around again on the field and beating players in defence. I cannot recall him playing any better throughout his career."
The Roosters continue to negotiate with Cronulla winger Blake Ferguson.
It is understood Ferguson has told Canberra officials he wants to remain living in Sydney.
He is all but guaranteed of joining the Bondi club.
The Roosters will also sign North Queensland hooker Anthony Watts for 2011.
The Roosters, the NRL's form team, will train again today as the club attempts to retain focus and concentration amid the increasing hype of Sunday's match.
The Daily Telegraph can reveal that Minichiello, 30, will next week sign a new deal with the Sydney Roosters - giving the club a monumental boost before Sunday's massive match against St George Illawarra at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
It is understood Minichiello will sign a new one-year deal with a handshake agreement for 2012 should his stunning form continue through next season.
After a series of back injuries, Minichiello has returned to the form with which he claimed the prestigious Golden Boot Award, for the world's best rugby league player, in 2005.
If Minichiello, who played his 200th NRL game last weekend against Parramatta, signs on for 2012 it would all but mean he becomes a rare one-club player.
"The Roosters are a special club to me," Minichiello saidlast night.
"I can't see myself playing for another NRL club against the Roosters.
Dean Ritchie says it's time for Jamie Soward to stand up on Sunday. Join Dean's live blog here
"I would be happy with a two-year deal. We will see what pans out. I have come through the grades here. I grew up at this club.
"It's the only club I have been at. It feels like my home."
With his form sharply improving each week, Minichiello said he hoped to continue in the NRL for a few seasons yet.
"The more games I get, the better I feel I am going," he said.
"I feel like I am getting back in the groove again.
"The team is going well too - that is the pleasing aspect.
"My body is feeling great. I will keep playing while my body is up to it. Petero Civoniceva is 35.
"I could see myself playing until that age. Hopefully at the Sydney Roosters."
SCG officials are hoping for a 40,000 attendance at Sunday's match between the old rivals.
Each time the Roosters and Dragons meet, the game attracts drama and headlines.
"I have only played once at the SCG early in my career," Minichiello said.
"It was a memorable game for me. I hope all the Roosters fans can get there.
"I know all the players would love to play there."
Roosters recruitment manager Peter O'Sullivan said Minichiello was nearly in career-best form.
"We want to keep Anthony for at least another year and we will see what comes after that," he said.
"He is bouncing around again on the field and beating players in defence. I cannot recall him playing any better throughout his career."
The Roosters continue to negotiate with Cronulla winger Blake Ferguson.
It is understood Ferguson has told Canberra officials he wants to remain living in Sydney.
He is all but guaranteed of joining the Bondi club.
The Roosters will also sign North Queensland hooker Anthony Watts for 2011.
The Roosters, the NRL's form team, will train again today as the club attempts to retain focus and concentration amid the increasing hype of Sunday's match.
Happy Mini fan here.
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