Michael Jennings is in a similar situation to 12 months ago, with Parramatta yet to lock in a contract extension for the veteran and agree on terms that please both parties.
On the Friday before the up-coming game against Newcastle, Jennings is expected to sit down with Eels coach Brad Arthur to sort his playing career out once and for all.
However, the roadblock at the moment is that Jennings would like a two-year deal, while the Eels are only prepared to give him one.
The Blacktown centre is hoping to sort the negotiations prior to Saturday's clash against the Knights, a team he nearly joined at the beginning of the season.
"I'm meeting with Brad on Friday and hopefully we can sort it then, Jennings told the Sydney Morning Herald.
"I'd like to sort it Friday. I would have liked it to be sorted three months ago. The good thing is I'm not putting too much time and energy into it. It is my future but I trust (my manager) will get it done.
A year ago, Jennings was at a minor breaking point with a drop in form, and a team slump caused him to be dropped to reserve grade while the Eels had their bye.
The turnaround since then has provided insight into his character, with the 31-year-old returning to career-best form.
"I am pretty happy I turned it all around," he said. "I believed I had the ability and I was confident in my ability. I backed myself to stay here and prove I did have more to offer. It is really satisfying, but there is still more I can give to this club and that is why I want to stay for another two years."
Jennings revealed that he was extremely close to signing with Newcastle last year, but now with talks of the Eels going after Knights three-quarter Jesse Ramien.
"I'm happy to stay here, but I really have to think about my future as well," Jennings said. "I just had a little and I need to weigh up my family's future. One year doesn't hurt (me) but for my family it will hurt."
The Eels are currently in sixth place as they prepare for Saturday afternoon's clash with the Knights.
Against St.George , Michael Jennings got the ball in a gap near Parramatta’s try line. Looked like he was away. A few years ago he wouldn’t have been caught , would have run the length of the field to score. Last week two players ran him down within 30 metres. I wonder if Parramatta officials noticed that? Loss of pace must equal less of an offer.