Roosters enforcer Jared Waerea-Hargreaves is reportedly set to sit down with club powerbrokers after Tuesday’s ANZAC clash and discuss his future.
According to the SMH, the 34-year-old had already planned to consider his options at least two months into the 2023 season.
The Kiwi international is without a contract for 2024 and many were of the conclusion this season would be his last in the NRL.
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However, Waerea-Hargreaves has been in fine form and could extend a further year, shunning interest from Super League club Catalans Dragons.
Fellow front rower Matt Lodge, who is also without a contract for 2024, said he would be willing to take a lower salary to accommodate his teammate.
“That’s one lesson I’ve probably learnt, to share the pie a little bit in the forward pack,” Lodge said to the Herald.
“That makes your job better and you get some good quality players around you. That’s crucial. You can’t do it with two (front-row) forwards, it’s too hard. To have a whole pack and quality players is something you’ve got to look at.
“This is the first time in a while that I get to learn some lessons (from) a senior front-rower which has been good. (Waerea-Hargreaves) is looking fit and healthy and doing a great job. I’d love to play with him as long as I can. He’s a beast, he’s one of our leaders.
“Lindsay and I and a few others will just take little lessons from him for as long as we can.
“The boys just respect him so much, if he leads the way you just follow because he’s such a good guy off the field.
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“He’d do anything for anyone, so when he goes on the field you’ve just got to back him up.”
Lodge’s own contract negotiations were put on the backburner after he suffered a nasty facial fracture, however he remains likely to re-sign with the Tricolours.
The Warriors are also reportedly still paying a hefty $500,000 of his salary after his immediate exit from the club last season.
As it stands, the Roosters have signed Panthers prop Spencer Leniu on a hefty contract worth more than $500,000 per-season.
However, a large amount of cap space will be freed up when young gun Joseph Suaalii departs rugby league after the 2024 season.
Former Eel Nathan Brown is also off-contract after the 2023 season and will also be gunning for a contract extension.
