Cronk on verge of new Storm NRL deal
Storm halfback Cooper Cronk. (AAP)
Cooper Cronk is reportedly poised to sign a $1.7 million deal to finish his NRL career with Melbourne.
The Storm were in the final stages of securing the Kangaroos' halfback, News Corp Australia said on the eve of Saturday's double-header clash with premiers North Queensland in Brisbane.
Cronk is off-contract at season's end and talk earlier in the year suggested he might quit Melbourne and take up a big-money offer at Kogarah with St George Illawarra.
However, News Corp is reporting the Storm hierarchy are confident they have snared the Maroons' ace for a further two years.
The club has tabled a deal said to be worth $850,000 a season and sources say only a last-minute hitch will stop Cronk inking the contract to go out a one-club man alongside fellow big-three teammates Billy Slater and Cameron Smith.
Storm bosses hope to formally announce the 32-year-old's retention following the Cowboys game.
Chief executive Dave Donaghy told News Corp he was "very hopeful" Cronk would stay.
