Craig Bellamy has made re-signing Cameron Munster a priority as rival NRL clubs begin to circle the star playmaker.
Munster isn't off contract until the end of 2019 but that hasn't stopped other teams expressing their interest in the Queensland and Australian pivot.
With Billy Slater and Cameron Smith approaching retirement, the Storm will soon be in a position to make Munster an upgrade offer worthy of his marquee standing.
And with North Queensland reportedly having already stated their interest in his services, the Storm appear to have a fight on their hands.
"I think he's really important. Over the last two or three years he's proven how good of a player he is," Bellamy said.
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"I think he's done a magnificent job for us this year and we need to hang on to him without a doubt.
"Hopefully in future, we can come to an arrangement with Cameron."
Munster was last year involved in an altercation with Ben Hunt during World Cup camp, an incident that led to him being sent home.
He also received a dressing down from Bellamy and Storm management.
It led to rumours he was on thin ice at the Storm and Bellamy admitted he had an uneasy relationship with alcohol.
However it has not dampened demand for his signature.
At the time the Storm were rumoured to have pulled a contract extension offer however the two parties are back at the negotiation table.
"At the end of the day we need to wrap him up," Bellamy said.
"He's a really big part of this club's future."
