Fitzgibbon was back at work as an assistant with the Roosters on Thursday, but will have the luxury of 15 unfilled spots in his top 30 for next season.

Included in the off-contract players are the likes of big-money men Shaun Johnson, Matt Moylan, Josh Dugan and Aaron Woods.

But regardless of the cap space available and the 16 Roosters off-contract either this year or next, Trent Robinson said he had no concerns over poaching raids at his club.

"There's a code between coaches around how all that works and understanding the loyalties where it lies as well," Robinson said.

"It's a tough one to even question Fitz on that."

Fitzgibbon's loyalty is instead part of the reason Robinson is certain he will become a great NRL coach.

The 43-year-old is a life member at the tri-colours, having ended his 10 years there as a player in 2009.

He has been on their coaching staff since 2012, in a role that even pre-dates Robinson's time in charge.

Fitzgibbon has also knocked back advances from St George Illawarra and the Warriors in that time, after vowing not to walk out on his Roosters deal.

"He's ready. He's been ready for a couple of years but he's also been loyal for that reason," Robinson said.

"His character is just unblemished in our game.

"He's got the characteristics and traits that you want to mimic as a young player. You admire who he is by the way that he stands.

"And then he's also got a balance there. He's got an understanding of what a player goes through but can understand all different levels of players."

"His character is his strength, but then he's layered on all the footy knowledge and all the technical and tactical needs as well.

"So it's time for Fitz."

Fitzgibbon becomes the latest assistant to exit Robinson's pen for a head coaching gig, following Adam O'Brien, Justin Holbrook and Paul Green.

Penrith are also quickly becoming a club with the same issue, with Cameron Ciraldo targeted by the Sharks to become an assistant under Fitzgibbon.

The former Shark is yet to make a call after developing several of Penrith's youngsters and heading their defence for years.

But a shift to Cronulla would represent a move closer to home, as well as the chance to learn under a new voice and add more variety to his resume.

"There's no finality about it. Cam loves it here, we love him here," Panthers coach Ivan Cleary said.

"I guess it's a compliment to our organisation.

"We've had a lot of players that have been targeted and now coaches and other staff members are as well."

Australian Associated Press