Jahrome Hughes is on track to ink a new deal with the Melbourne Storm.
The reigning Dally M Medal winner has become a crucial member of Craig Bellamy's squad and is set to extend his stay in the Victorian capital, according to News Corp journalist Brent Read.
This is despite potential interest – and a significant pay packet – from the NRL's soon-to-be newest club, the Perth Bears.
Currently, Hughes is off-contract in 2026, which means he is free to negotiate with rival clubs from November 1 this year.
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However, the 30-year-old is set to sign a two or three-year extension with Melbourne before that negotiation period.
"I think they [the Storm] are very optimistic – a deal is not far away and they have put a deal for a long-term lucrative extension to him," Read said on NRL 360.
"My gut feeling is this is close and this will get done reasonably soon, and Jahrome Hughes won’t get anywhere near November 1.
"He will be there, I imagine, for another two to three years on top of next year."
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Fellow News Corp journalist Phil Rothfield believes a new deal for Hughes – estimated to be worth approximately $1 million a season – is great value.
He estimates that the halfback would be worth around $1.6 million per year if he became "the face" of the Bears.
The WA club is currently on the lookout for talent to recruit ahead of their 2027 entry into the NRL.
"I think the re-signing of Hughes is a massive story because if he went to market, he could become the face of the Bears on $1.6 million a season," Rothfield said.
"And if the Storm have locked him up for around a million, it is a massive coup for that club."
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Hughes has maintained his high level of form in 2025, recording eight try assists and scoring two tries in eight appearances.
He broke his hand in Round 3, but remarkably, only missed one match following surgery.