Jahrome Hughes has deflected talk of his own potential move north, labelling it "disappointing" that a trio of teammates will leave Melbourne for Redcliffe next season.
The Storm halfback is contracted until 2023 but has turned down a player option for the 2024 season and is chasing an upgraded, long-term deal at the powerhouse club.
Dolphins coach Wayne Bennett has already pinched Maroons star Felise Kaufusi and Bromwich brothers Jesse and Kenny for the Redcliffe outfit's 2023 entry.
The addition of the much-improved Hughes, who has transitioned from Queensland Cup fullback to star NRL halfback since his move south in 2017, would be a further blow for Melbourne and a handy injection of star power in the Dolphins' backline.
He'll go on the market from November 1 this year and would need to be granted an early clearance by the Storm to be part of the Dolphins' inaugural club next year.
It's clear Melbourne will need to come to the party though, Hughes joking they could use new sponsor, cryptocurrency exchange service Cointree, to "pay in crypto" to get the deal done.
"It's disappointing; we're losing a few players to the new franchise but for them, at this time of their career, it's a better fit for them," the 27-year-old said.
"But for me, with two more years of my contract, I'm not looking anywhere else at the moment.
"There is some contract stuff being brought up ... that's still so long away and to even be looking at that is quite silly for myself.
"Being here for a couple of years now, turning into a senior player and leader here, I don't want to go anywhere.
"I'm happy and my family's happy here, I'm trying to stay as long as I can."
Hughes will see time in the side's final pre-season clash in Ballarat against Newcastle on Sunday.
But fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen won't, the lightning-fast No.1 is battling to be fit for the opening game against Wests Tigers after suffering an ankle injury late last year.
"I'm aiming for round one," he said.
"Injuries happen, it's a good time to do it rather than in season where I'd miss a few games."
