Boyd Cordner has implored Sydney Roosters powerbrokers to re-sign five-eighth James Maloney as uncertainty about the playmaker's future continue to swirl.
Maloney is being tipped to soon sign with Cronulla however his manager Wayne Beavis told AAP he was still weighing up his future.
The 29-year-old is off contract with the Roosters at the end of the year and appears to be on his way out.
The 2013 premiership winner is also being pursued by the Gold Coast who are desperate for an experienced pivot following Daly Cherry-Evans' decision to stay with Manly.
While hope appears to be slimming of Maloney remaining at Moore Park, Cordner said he hoped both parties found a way to make it happen.
"I love Jimmy, he's one of my close mates and playing on the left side with him I wouldn't want to see him go anywhere," Cordner said.
"But that's the nature of the beast of footy - if he does end up going there's not a lot you can do about it."
If Maloney does depart, it would open the door for highly-rated 19-year-old Jackson Hastings to step up into the starting 13.
Hastings, the son of Roosters great Kevin Hastings, made his debut for the tri-colours in last year's final round.
He has made five appearances this season, including on Saturday when he started in the No.7 jumper in the absence of Mitchell Pearce in the side's win over the Warriors
Asked if Hastings was a ready-made replacement, Cordner said: "100 per cent.
"Jackson Hastings has been a part of our first-grade side for a while now and he's learned his trade and he's had a few NRL games under his belt."
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