Greg Inglis sounded out Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy about a shock return to the Storm before re-signing with South Sydney, the Kangaroos centre has revealed.
Rabbitohs skipper Inglis last week recommitted to Souths until the end of 2020.
But not before he seriously considered a move back to the Storm or to Brisbane, the club he initially intended to join after exiting Melbourne at the end of 2010 before joining Souths.
The 29-year-old Inglis made his NRL debut at the Storm under Bellamy as an 18-year-old and was keen to link with his former mentor.
"Brisbane was a genuine thought, I even thought about Melbourne," Inglis said.
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"I rang Craig up and had a few chats about heading back down south but I couldn't be happier that my future is settled."
Inglis' wife Sally gave birth to their second child daughter Quinn Sybella on Monday. The Queensland star said he his family's desire to stay in Sydney held sway.
"We have two kids now so we had to think about what's best for them," he said.
"Our oldest one is two, so by the contract finishes up he'll be starting school.
"We'd been in talks since coming out of the Origin series. I'm glad it's finally done and my future's settled for the next four years. I know I'll be in Sydney and my family is happy."
Despite an ongoing knee problem he will have to manage until the end of his career, Inglis will stay at fullback for Souths, resisting a move to the centres.
He played at fullback, five-eighth and centre for Souths during their disappointing 2016 season.
"It was one of those years where you could play around with positions," he said
"We never really had concrete spots and that throws the whole side out.
"Save my legs and knees? I don't think so. I've got four years left in the game so I want to give it everything I've got. I'd like to be staying at fullback. I think it's best for the side and for myself."
