Valentine Holmes is feeling the love at Cronulla.
The Sharks' star fullback has a career-defining decision to make during the NRL off-season as he prepares to come off contract at the end of next year.
Amid interest from North Queensland, he seemed long odds just months ago to stay at Cronulla beyond 2019.
During Queensland State of Origin camp, he frankly admitted he didn't know whether Shane Flanagan wanted to keep him.
However, he now appears to have mended any chasm between himself and his coach, and Flanagan said he had taken a more hands-on role with Holmes this year to make him feel more loved.
The Cowboys have not hidden their desire to bring the Townsville product home in 2020.
The Sharks are gearing up for a fight with Flanagan recently saying that he would sell a level of the Sharks Leagues Club to keep him.
"It obviously makes it harder," Holmes said when asked about Flanagan's comments.
"Any coach would do whatever they could to keep their players all together.
"And I've played under Flanno since I was at the Sharks. He's seen how I've grown up.
"He probably sees a bit more in me and wants me to keep learning.
"It's going to be a hard decision."
Holmes has enjoyed a career year, not only making the fullback position his own but establishing himself as one of the best players in the competition.
He made 300 metres in the Sharks' qualifying final defeat to the Sydney Roosters and his ability to lock down his preferred position is a major reason behind his positive head space.
But he said the lure to move back north to be closer to his family would weigh heavily on his decision.
"Everyone's main drive is their family," Holmes said.
"Mum and dad and brothers and sisters, it's going to play a big part in it.
"When it comes down to it, I'm sure I'll make the right decision."
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