Manly prop George Rose has it all to play for in Sunday's NRL clash with the Sydney Roosters at Brookvale Oval.

The Sea Eagles cult figure is always one of the game's leading ambassadors for the Close The Gap round which takes place across all games this weekend - and will be keen for a big performance in such a personally important match.

However, while Rose's heart will be focused on doing his Indigenous heritage proud, in the back of his mind he'll be conscious of winning his next NRL contract.

The 28-year-old is off-contract at the end of this year and wants his affairs sorted as soon as possible.

Rose is desperate to remain at Brookvale and said he needs to capture his best form in the lead in to the finals.

"I bleed maroon and white, definitely (want to stay)," said Rose.

"I still think I've got a lot to work on personally. I want to be a lot better for the finals and even for these last few games, we've got some big games coming up and I just want to be at my best.

"I'm still off-contract at the moment, I haven't got anything going at the moment but hopefully it'll be sorted soon.

"It'd be nice (to have it sorted before the finals). It's always good to know your future's safe but that's sort of out of my hands, I've just got to do what I can on the field and hope that gets sorted."

Manly will be smarting after last Friday's surprise loss to Wests Tigers and won't be taking the improved Roosters lightly.

Coach Des Hasler said he isn't worried by the fact Melbourne have taken a stranglehold on the minor premiership, his main hope is that his side avoid any major injury worries before the playoffs.

"Have you been watching them play? They're a real threat," Hasler said of the Roosters.

"They're really throwing it about so it's a tough brand of footy to play against so you've got to be on your guard.

"There's still five rounds of football to go. People are talking like the semis are starting next week, they're not.

"It's far from settled, five games of football and a lot can happen in those five games for a side's destiny. Injury is the biggest danger now.

"It's (minor premiership) probably something that we don't need to buy into. We're in second position, we're playing a bit of footy ... but it's fair to say the Storm are well and truly the benchmark."

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