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ANTHONY Minichiello hates the thought of playing anywhere other than the Sydney Roosters. But he hasn't ruled out finishing his glittering career with a stint in European rugby union.
"The plan is to keep my options open," Minichiello said at the Roosters' launch yesterday.
"I would love to . . . play my career out here. To be honest I haven't put too much thought into where I am going.
"My thoughts and all my energy have been put towards getting me right to play for the Roosters. I know other stuff will come down the track."
While he may not have spent a lot of time pondering a move overseas, Minichiello has spoken to former NSW and Test teammate Mark Gasnier, now playing with Stade Francais, about French rugby. He's also had his head turned by the big money on offer.
"It's definitely a great earn, let's be honest," he said. "There's another appeal to it with travel. I will see what happens. I just want to start the season and ideally here would be perfect for me.
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"I spoke to Gaz (Gasnier) a few weeks ago when he was here for his wedding. He said he has enjoyed his time.
"He said living in Paris has been great for him and the travel has been great. Sometimes he gets a bit frustrated playing on the wing because he doesn't touch the ball."
No one could blame Minichiello for exploring his options.
The past three years have been a trial for the former NSW and Australia custodian, whose career was threatened by a series of back problems.
With those troubles in the past, Minichiello has been confronted by another hurdle -- the arrival of Todd Carney at the club.
Carney's move to fullback has resulted in Minichiello switching back to the wing, the position he was playing when he made his first-grade debut 10 year ago.
"The Roosters have been great for me," Minichiello said.
"I have grown up here, this has been my only club. First and foremost I would love to stay at the Roosters and play my career out here -- and be a one-club player.
"As everyone knows, sometimes people move on, or they sign other players.
"Whatever does happen, I feel like the Roosters are my club."
Would he consider playing for another team in the NRL?
"No, I wouldn't do it," he said.
The only other rugby league team Minichiello would love to play for is NSW. It's been three years since he last pulled on a sky blue jersey.
And a place on the wing could beckon if he recaptures the form which made him the world's best player in 2005.
"The plan is to keep my options open," Minichiello said at the Roosters' launch yesterday.
"I would love to . . . play my career out here. To be honest I haven't put too much thought into where I am going.
"My thoughts and all my energy have been put towards getting me right to play for the Roosters. I know other stuff will come down the track."
While he may not have spent a lot of time pondering a move overseas, Minichiello has spoken to former NSW and Test teammate Mark Gasnier, now playing with Stade Francais, about French rugby. He's also had his head turned by the big money on offer.
"It's definitely a great earn, let's be honest," he said. "There's another appeal to it with travel. I will see what happens. I just want to start the season and ideally here would be perfect for me.
Start of sidebar. Skip to end of sidebar.
End of sidebar. Return to start of sidebar.
"I spoke to Gaz (Gasnier) a few weeks ago when he was here for his wedding. He said he has enjoyed his time.
"He said living in Paris has been great for him and the travel has been great. Sometimes he gets a bit frustrated playing on the wing because he doesn't touch the ball."
No one could blame Minichiello for exploring his options.
The past three years have been a trial for the former NSW and Australia custodian, whose career was threatened by a series of back problems.
With those troubles in the past, Minichiello has been confronted by another hurdle -- the arrival of Todd Carney at the club.
Carney's move to fullback has resulted in Minichiello switching back to the wing, the position he was playing when he made his first-grade debut 10 year ago.
"The Roosters have been great for me," Minichiello said.
"I have grown up here, this has been my only club. First and foremost I would love to stay at the Roosters and play my career out here -- and be a one-club player.
"As everyone knows, sometimes people move on, or they sign other players.
"Whatever does happen, I feel like the Roosters are my club."
Would he consider playing for another team in the NRL?
"No, I wouldn't do it," he said.
The only other rugby league team Minichiello would love to play for is NSW. It's been three years since he last pulled on a sky blue jersey.
And a place on the wing could beckon if he recaptures the form which made him the world's best player in 2005.
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