Anthony Minichiello says his drawn out contract negotiations are no cause for concern and he's confident he'll be back to lead NRL premiers Sydney Roosters in their title defence next season.
Premiership-winning captain Minichiello remains unsigned ahead of the 2014 season and the uncertainty over his future has given Roosters fans cause for concern.
But Minichiello said on Monday only the long-awaited overhaul of the salary cap was delaying confirmation of a new deal, which could be sealed as soon as this week.
"I'm cool with it. I have a great relationship with the Roosters and I know it's being worked out but it has to go through the right avenues and processes," Minichiello told AAP.
"It should definitely be done by the New Year.
"Hopefully the next week or two we will have some answers. But it's all good."
NRL head of football Todd Greenberg has flagged a major overhaul of the salary cap and Minichiello said the Roosters were working with the league to ensure concessions for long-serving one-club players were an important part of that.
The 33-year-old Minichiello has played 275 games over 14 seasons at the Roosters.
"We are working with the NRL looking at long-term players and how that can be worked into the salary cap," said Minichiello, who was taking part in Sydney's White Ribbon Walk.
"It's something that all other sports have.
"It is something that the AFL has and it is something that we can have that not only benefits the player for playing with the same club for so long but that also benefits the club for showing that loyalty back to the player.
"It's important that loyalty be rewarded.
"So at the moment I just have to bide my time and see what happens in the coming weeks."
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