The Roosters have not given up hope former Test fullback Anthony Minichiello can play a part in the back end of the season, despite again overlooking him for selection this week due to ongoing back problems.
The bulging disc in Minichiello's neck is still causing the former rep star considerable discomfort, with the pain extending down one arm.
The faltering Roosters face a crunch clash against the Sharks on Friday at Toyota Stadium, but Roosters CEO Brian Canavan has confirmed there's definitely no plans to rush Minichiello back into the side.
"We're being ultra-cautious," Canavan told Fairfax.
"There's some residual pain. It's subsiding but it's still there. We're hopeful that he'll be back at some stage this year."