The Bulldogs will head into their biggest match of the season with the future of nearly half their first grade side in limbo after chief executive Steve Mortimer called off contract talks until next week.

Mortimer decided to suspend negotiations with the club's nine off-contract stars, including halfback Brent Sherwin, so they could concentrate on Friday night's grudge match against the Sydney Roosters.

The Bulldogs' retention committee have met to discuss the situation, but the club will not make any further moves until next week.

"The game is on Friday and I don't want to interrupt them," Mortimer said.

"It's a very important game for the club."

Sherwin is the Bulldogs' priority, but has left talks in the hands of his manager and is expected to be the target of several clubs if he is unable to agree to terms before June 30.

The 25-year-old, who will be named City halfback on Sunday night for the upcoming City-Country Origin game in Gosford, today admitted the uncertainty was beginning to take its toll.

"It does (play on my mind) a little bit," Sherwin said.

"It's all about my future so hopefully we can get it cleared up but if we can't, I'll have to wait and see."

Mortimer did hold further talks with centre Nigel Vagana's manager Gavin Orr today but failed to resolve the situation.

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