Billy Slater claims he would be more likely to return to the Queensland State of Origin job than replace Craig Bellamy at Melbourne, but says nothing is set in stone.
Slater confirmed on Sunday he had been weighing up his decision to quit as Maroons coach for several months, before Friday's shock call.
The 43-year-old refused to publicly declare who he believed his successor should be, but says close friend Cameron Smith would do a "fantastic job" if asked.
Slater has long been linked to one day replacing Bellamy at the Storm, with the veteran mentor expected to finish up at the end 2027.
Melbourne boss Justin Rodski told AAP on Saturday the club would want to talk to Slater about the role, but insisted they were not behind his Maroons exit.
Slater himself has maintained he does not see himself committing to full-time coaching, preferring his current role as a media pundit with the Nine Network.
And he insisted that was still his stance on Sunday, while refusing to completely rule out taking over from Bellamy.
"I've always said, and I've been pretty consistent with it, that I don't see myself as an NRL coach," Slater said on the Sunday Footy Show.
"I love the position I hold here at Channel Nine, and talk about the game, and get to push our opinions of the game to the people at home and educate the people at home.
"But look, you never say never. The Melbourne Storm have been a big part of my life for half of my life.
"Obviously Craig Bellamy's last year next year, but right now I don't see myself coaching in the NRL."
Slater finished up as Queensland's fourth-most successful coach behind Mal Meninga, Wayne Bennett and Arthur Beetson, with three series wins in five years.
The champion fullback has also acted as a specialist coach for the Storm in that time.
Asked if he could ever see himself coaching again, Slater indicated that the representative arena appealed more to him.
"Not right now no. But I still love the game. I love that state and I love our footy team," Slater responded.
"Whether I coach again in the future, maybe. I'm only 43 years old so maybe that opportunity comes in the future.
"But right now there's no ulterior ulterior motive to this decision and I'm really comfortable with where I sit."
Slater said he would tell the "right people" his views on a successor.
Smith looms as the No.1 option, if the former Maroons captain wants the job.
Matt Ballin shapes as another candidate after being Slater's assistant since 2023, with Ben Te'o also on staff.
Kangaroos coach Kevin Walters could theoretically give up that role after this year's World Cup to return to Queensland, while Anthony Seibold is another option.
Told by NSW great Andrew Johns that Smith's appointment would be the worst thing for the Blues, Slater did not disagree.
"You don't have to convince me," Slater said.
"I've been a part of Cameron Smith's life since I was 17 years old. I know exactly what he brings to a footy team.
"As a player, as a leader, as a coach. He would do a fantastic job."
