Cameron Munster will take an end-of-season holiday with his family before deciding whether to test the open market or stay in Melbourne beyond the end of next NRL season.
But regardless, the 24-year-old says the Storm will have the first opportunity to keep him.
Nathan Cleary's decision to re-sign with Penrith on Monday leaves Munster as the hottest free agent when the new NRL year begins on November 1 and rivals can approach.
A number of clubs have already been linked to the Queensland five-eighth, including Cronulla, North Queensland and this weekend's opponents the Sydney Roosters.
However Melbourne have also expressed their desire to get a deal done shortly after Sunday's decider and are confident they can lock him down long-term.
"My contract negotiations are going to be on hold for a bit," Munster said.
"I'm going to go away for a bit and be with my family. And just talk about it a little bit more and see what I want to do.
"But Melbourne gave me my first opportunity and I will give them the first red hot crack to keep me.
"I'm really happy down here at the moment and just worried about focusing on Sunday mate and go from there."
Munster's inclination to stay has been made clearer this week by his willingness to talk about leading the Storm's next generation following the eventual retirements of Cameron Smith and Billy Slater.
There's little doubt he also has the capabilities to do so following his best year yet at the Storm.
In his second full season in the No.6 jersey, Munster has the most run metres of all five-eighths in the NRL and leads the Storm for try-assists and linebreak-assists.
And he's done it all without a regular halfback, with the Storm gunning to be the first team in 30 years to win a title without having the same person play at No.7 for at least 15 games.
"I don't really think about it too much," Munster said.
"I guess playing with such a successful club as Melbourne it makes my job easier, I love it.
"Whoever Bellyache (coach Craig Bellamy) decides to play next to me I just try and do my best for them each and every week.
"If that's playing with a different half each week that's something for the coaching staff to worry about, it's not for me to.
"I'm happy to play with anyone. At the moment Croft (Brodie Croft) is playing really good football and stamping his authority on the No.7 jersey."
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