The Sydney Roosters must strike while the iron is hot, James Tedesco says, but the star fullback remains adamant the club's premiership window will not start closing after 2024.
The Roosters enter this weekend's season-opening double-header with arguably their best squad since Cooper Cronk's premiership farewell five years ago.
But the clock is ticking.
Joey Manu and Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii are poised to leave for rugby at the end of the season, while prop Jared Waerea-Hargreaves is bound for England's Super League.
Luke Keary recently signed a one-year extension but had previously thought 2024 could be his last year, while Daniel Tupou is 32 and off contract.
Tedesco insisted there was no thought of 'now or never' as he seeks a third premiership at the Roosters.
"It's not really like that," Tedesco said.
"We've had the same group for a long time now and it's bound to happen. Everyone's getting older, people move clubs.
"We know we've got a real strong squad. We always have. When those guys leave, it'll definitely leave a bit of a hole.
"So we try and make the most of this year."
So stacked is the Roosters squad that Trent Robinson will be able to rotate his backline, with Tedesco, Manu, Suaalii, Tupou, Dom Young and Billy Smith all vying for five spots.
Spencer Leniu's addition gives more firepower through the middle, with the strength of the forwards highlighted by Angus Crichton being left out of the side to face Brisbane in Las Vegas on Saturday night.
It is not the first time the Roosters have looked threatening on paper, but they have gone on to miss the top four in each of the past four seasons.
"The window is small because they underperformed last year," former Rooster Braith Anasta told AAP while in Vegas with Fox League.
"There's always windows. Maybe it's a bit different for the Roosters because they do think far ahead and (chairman) Nick (Politis) is quite switched on.
"But you're going to lose two of the best players in the game in Joey and Joseph, and Jared is one of the most consistent front-rowers you'll ever see.
"This year could be the year, or else they're losing big players."
Anasta said the key in the Roosters taking that next step was a clearer Brandon Smith out of dummy-half.
"What's surprising about the Roosters is the area in which they struggled last year, their spine. And their spine is a good one," he said.
"It's a bit of a domino effect. Brandon Smith comes in and he's a runner.
"That takes time away from Keary and (Sam) Walker. Which gives less opportunities for Tedesco.
"You look back to when they had all the success, they had Jake Friend who is a traditional hooker.
"It's got to be either run or pass for Brandon. Don't get caught in between.
"Because if they can get Smith, Keary, Walker and Tedesco firing, they can win the comp."
