Tariq Sims has indicated he is open to a mid-season NRL switch to Melbourne after coming to terms with St George Illawarra's decision not to re-sign him.
Sims admitted on Wednesday he had always envisaged ending his career with the Dragons, only to be left upset when told last year he would not be retained.
The NSW State of Origin second-rower secured his future by last week by agreeing to join the Storm on a one-year deal for 2023.
But Sims has left the door open for an early move.
While the Dragons were adamant last week there were no talks of a mid-season switch, Sims claimed the clubs were now speaking about the possibility.
The 32-year-old said he did not know if he wanted the move to eventuate, but indicated he was open to it when pressed further by reporters.
"Yeah, that's rugby league. It's the business," Sims said.
"It's one of those things where you have to take it week by week and that's how I'm doing it.
"I'm pretty focused on just playing good, consistent, hard football.
"The clubs are talking at the moment, but you'd have to ask them (if it will happen)."
Sims' current deal with the Dragons is believed to be worth around $600,000, of which half has already been paid with the NRL financial year beginning in November.
Melbourne would need to contribute at least some of the remainder, but only if a deal can be reached between the two NRL clubs.
Any release before the August 1 deadline would theoretically free up some cap space for the Dragons, but the chances of a release coming soon look bleak with fellow forward Jaydn Su'A now ruled out with a syndesmosis injury.
Sims is expected to play middle in Melbourne, and while the Storm pack have been hit hard by injuries, they received some good news on Wednesday with Tui Kamikamica's assault charge dropped.
Regardless, Sims said he had now had enough time to come to terms with the Dragons' decision not to keep him in Wollongong for next year.
One of NSW's best in State of Origin last season, Sims was told shortly after that series his current contract would not be extended.
But he remains insistent he has more years ahead in the NRL, disappointed they won't be at a club he never wanted to leave.
"My love towards the club hasn't changed, and I don't think it ever will," Sims said.
"I still love the people in the front office, the fans," Sims said.
"They're all a very big part of my life in the last six to seven years. They have been nothing but awesome to me and my family.
"I've never taken it for granted to pull on a Red V jumper.
"It's a very proud jumper and every time I go out before I always smell it and think about the past players, my family and my teammates."
