Two of rugby league's most senior and loyal stars are sweating on the NRL introducing salary cap concessions for long-serving players to help prolong their careers.
Bulldogs captain Andrew Ryan and veteran Rooster Anthony Minichiello fear they may be squeezed out of the NRL unless the game's bosses quickly act to compensate clubs who retain players over several seasons.
Ryan, into his eighth season at the Dogs after playing with Parramatta between 2000 and 2002, has a year to run on his existing contract but speculation remains he may be released to free up money under the cap.
Minichiello has played 11 seasons straight at the Bondi club but is without a deal for 2011.
"I'm waiting on that, hopefully that comes in soon," Minichiello said of the proposed concessions for veteran players.
"I think they want to make an announcement on it in the next month or so or whenever it is, but I'm certainly waiting on it."
"It needs to come in for sure. Long-serving players to one club or to the game need to be rewarded and hopefully the NRL are looking at that."
"I love the Roosters and I couldn't see myself playing in another jersey to be honest, so that's why I'm hoping this concession will come in and hopefully I'll be here, but we'll see what happens."
Asked if he'd like to see salary cap concessions brought in immediately, Ryan replied: "Absolutely. Bloody oath."
But he added with a touch of pessimism: "I can't see it happening. I think all these things are going to beyond my time."
"I think a few of us are going to be bitter old men, like myself and Nathan Hindmarsh and Anthony Minichiello."
"It's great for the game that if guys who have been around clubs and they want to stay (they) can get concessions."
"I'd like to keeping playing depending on how the body holds up and if the club's keen."
"I'd like to stay at the Bulldogs and finish off my career."
Minichiello and Ryan will come face-to-face in the NRL for possibly the last time when the in-form Roosters host the rejuvenated Dogs at the SFS as part of the NRL's Rivalry Round on Sunday.