Dally M Medallist Jahrome Hughes has declared he wants to play for Melbourne "forever", dashing hopes of new NRL outfit Perth luring the star Storm halfback as its marquee player.
Speaking ahead of the Storm's Magic Round clash with Canberra, Hughes said he was looking to get a new deal done with club boss Justin Rodski to secure his future in Victoria.
A free agent on November 1, the 30-year-old has been mentioned as a major target for the Bears, who will join the competition in 2027.
"I think my name's probably only up there because I'm off contract around that same time," said the Kiwi Test halfback.
"I haven't really thought about it, and if I have it my way then I'll be here forever, so I might have to talk to 'J-Rod' soon about that."
The Storm are sitting second on the ladder but on the same competition points as the Raiders with both teams coming off a win.
Hughes, who returned just two weeks after breaking his hand and then injured his shoulder, said he planned to push through to the next bye which would hopefully allow him to fully recover.
They are still missing skipper Harry Grant with a hamstring injury.
"We think there's a lot to improve on, and we've talked about how it's not going to be perfect from the start but we really want to build and keep getting better every week," Hughes said.
"Canberra are going well and I think they are flying under the radar a little bit.
"They're a quality team and they're real gritty and I feel like they're a team that have come a long way over the last couple of years ... they've had a few good players come in and they're starting to build something there so it's going to be a test for us."
Melbourne have been under fire off the field for the late cancellation of a Welcome to Country before last round's match at AAMI Park against South Sydney.
Hughes said the club was "trying to make amends" to the Indigenous community.
"I know the club is really apologetic of what happened that night," he said.
"I know there was a bit of miscommunication and I know the higher-ups at the club know they did the wrong thing and they're trying to make amends at the moment.
"Ever since I've been here, we've respected all cultures, not just Indigenous ... we have a saying that if it's important to one of us, then it's important for all of us.
"Hopefully, the club can make up for the wrongdoing that's been done."
