Still listed as off-contract at the end of this season, the 30-year-old revealed on Wednesday he would certainly be sticking around at the club for at least next year.

It means his stay at the club will be extended into a 14th season, after debuting in 2008 and rising to fourth on their list of all-time most capped players with 261 games.

"I'm all sorted for next year," Friend said.

"I am hoping that will be all signed and sealed in the next few weeks and I'll be sticking around here at the Roosters.

"There are a few little things to tick off. We will hopefully be able to announce that in the next few weeks."

Roosters chairman Nick Politis had indicated earlier this year Friend's preferred option was to sign year-by-year deals.

His persistence at the Roosters is worth recognising, he prepares for his eighth finals series in pursuit of his fourth premiership.

Amid early-career struggles his contract was terminated at the end of 2009, before regaining his spot and becoming one of the club's leaders.

He is particularly held in high regard by coach Trent Robinson, who loves his tenacious and high-effort involvement in defence.

"It's been something that does mean a lot to me to play at the one club," Friend said.

"I'm really excited to hopefully get it all sorted.

"But it's not on my priority list at the moment. It's about finishing off this season the way we want to and we'll go from there after that."

Friend was rested from last week's win over Cronulla with hamstring tightness but will face South Sydney, with Boyd Cordner also expected to return from concussion.

Beyond that the hooker is still hopeful of a Queensland State of Origin debut later this year after injury robbed him of the chance last season.

Harry Grant shapes as his most likely rival, with Ben Hunt the incumbent.

"I was involved in a few of the camps earlier this year and it was great to be back in the mix," Friend said.

"It's definitely something I still want to tick off, I believe it to be the pinnacle of our game. It would be an awesome thing to be involved in."

Australian Associated Press