Melbourne star Ryan Papenhuyzen could be on his way out of the club unless he cops a significant pay cut.
The talented fullback is set to be one of the biggest names on the open market when the free agency period kicks off on Friday.
Off contract at the end of next season, Papenhuyzen is facing a hefty pay cut of more than $250,000 per year if he remains at the Storm.
Club officials have been negotiating with the 2020 Clive Churchill Medallist for months in the hope of locking in a contract extension but the two parties have been unable to find common ground.
According to a Sydney Morning Herald report, Storm officials are resigned to Papenhuyzen going on the open market where he could fetch a price tag close to his current $1 million salary.
The Storm have young gun Sua Fa’alogo signed long term and the dynamic attacking weapon shapes as the perfect replacement for Papenhuyzen in the No.1 jersey.
Canterbury are reportedly interested in making a play for Papenhuyzen.
The Bulldogs could offer him the fullback role with the versatile Connor Tracey shifting to another spot in the outside backs, halves or a bench utility berth.
Parramatta are another potential option give new coach Jason Ryles’ previous working relationship with Papenhuyzen during his time as a Storm assistant.
They have told captain Clint Gutherson that he can leave early from the final year of his deal with young Panthers recruit Isaiah Iongi slated to take over at fullback.
Papenhuyzen has scored 454 points, including 65 tries, from 92 games since the 26-year-old made his NRL debut in 2019.
Serious leg injuries have stalled his career when he was on the verge of representative honours.
The Storm, who recruited Tigers prop Stefano Utoikamanu in the off-season, also have Josh King, Tui Kamikamica and Trent Loeiro hitting the open market next week.