Sydney Roosters officials remain confident Anthony Minichiello will make a return to football this season despite scans revealing a bulging disc in his neck.

The Roosters and former Test fullback will be rested for 4-6 weeks following a meeting with a specialist.

There were initial fears Minichiello's career could be over given the latest injury scare has come on top of a horror run of back injuries over the past few seasons.

Roosters doctor John Orchard said the neck injury was not directly related to Minichiello's previous lower back problems, but rather the result of an incident in the Roosters' big loss to Manly a fortnight ago.

"I am disappointed that I will be out for the 4-6 weeks," Minichiello said in a statement.

"However I am relieved with the diagnosis and am looking forward to re-joining my team mates after this time."

Minichiello will undergo conservative treatment but will not require surgery to correct the problem.

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