Felise Kaufusi is relieved to have sorted out his NRL future but the Melbourne backrower would be finding it hard to fully relax as he closes in on a State of Origin debut for Queensland.
Kaufusi signed a two-year extension with the Storm on Tuesday, with an option for two more seasons with the reigning premiers.
The 26-year-old blossomed at the club last year and was rewarded with a Kangaroos debut in the Rugby League World Cup pool match against France.
But it's a Maroons jersey he covets this year after a breakthrough 2017 in which he played in all of the Storm's 27 matches on the way to their grand final triumph.
Kaufusi is expected to be named to make his debut for the Maroons when the squad is announced on Monday after a strong start to the season.
"I've been close for the last two years, but I've just got to focus on playing well for my club first and foremost," Kaufusi told reporters.
"(I've dreamt about it) since I was a little fella growing up in Queensland.
"We used to sit in front of the TV and scream as loud as we could.
"It definitely will be a dream come true if I do get picked but that's out of my control."
The squad announcement can't come quick enough for Kaufusi, but at least he can rest easy knowing his club future is assured.
"I sat down with my manager, my wife and my little family and spoke about some different things," he said of the decision to sign a long-term deal with the Storm.
"Every question that we asked ourselves, the answer was 'Melbourne Storm'.
"I think this is where I can play my best footy and keep improving."
The Storm will look to bounce back from a 24-4 upset home loss to Manly when they travel to take on North Queensland on Friday night.
Melbourne are sixth with a 6-5 record and are looking to get back to basics against the Cowboys.
"I think it's pretty simple - we need to hang onto the ball ... that second half was terrible from us," Kaufusi said of the performance against the Sea Eagles.
"We need to give ourselves the opportunity to at least have some ball and attack as much as we can.
"We've just got to take more care with the ball as individuals and as a team."
