Scott Drinkwater's hopes of an NRL mid-season switch to North Queensland have hit a stumbling block with Melbourne saying they won't give the young fullback away for nothing.
The injury-ravaged Cowboys had hoped to sign Drinkwater this week and throw him straight into action against Manly on Saturday night.
Jordan Kahu (shoulder) is their fifth back to join a bulging casualty ward.
But Storm coach Craig Bellamy said the club would put the brakes on any such move unless the Cowboys came up with a suitable player trade.
"I don't know whether it's been fully knocked on the head," Bellamy said.
"But we've got to get something out of it too if Drinky does leave and at the moment, that part of it hasn't come to fruition so that's what we're going to need."
The highly-rated 22-year-old has endured a frustrating year, starting the season as the first choice to fill retired superstar Billy Slater's jersey.
But he tore his pectoral in the final pre-season trial and only returned to action last round in the Queensland Cup for Easts, having a hand in four tries as the Tigers claimed a 40-22 over Northern Pride.
"I really feel for Drinky," Bellamy said,
"The other guys have done one hell of a job in replacing Billy.
"Jahrome (Hughes) has been one of our most consistent players and when Paps (Ryan Papenhuyzen) has had a chance to play there he's played the house down."
Bellamy said he knew Drinkwater, who has spent three years in the Storm system and played just the one NRL match, in 2018, wanted out.
"Drinky is keen to go somewhere where his chances of playing first grade are better and I can understand that but there's got to be something in it for our club and at the moment I don't think there is."
