Cooper Cronk will play in purple for another two years.
It was the news Storm fans have been waiting all season to hear and on Friday morning it arrived.
The champion halfback has put pen to paper on a new deal that will see him remain in Melbourne until at least the end of 2018.
Be at AAMI Park when we take on the Rabbitohs, Saturday 6 August, 7:30pm.
Cronk will now enter another chapter of his decorated career with Storm that already includes 292 games and five grand finals as well as a Clive Churchill and Dally M medal.
It is a list of achievements amongst the best out game has seen but the 32-year-old has never taken any of it for granted.
“I’ve been super blessed with the career I’ve had. I’m one of the most fortunate people to ever lace on a boot,” Cronk said.
“I was given an opportunity here at Melbourne Storm and everything I’ve ever gotten is down to Melbourne Storm.
“I’ve had some memories I never thought were possible and hopefully there are still some really great ones to come, that story line is not finished yet.
“I wake up every morning with a smile on my face living out a boyhood dream and that is because Melbourne Storm gave me an opportunity.
“There is no secret recipe here, Craig (Bellamy) instills a culture and puts in some processes for you to be the best possible person a player can be and it is up to you for how far you want to run with that.”
Cronk admits there was an emotional pull to head north to Sydney where his partner is based.
However when it came to making his decision as a footballer, there was only one place he wanted to call home.
“My girlfriend is based in Sydney, she’s brought a lot of positivity, joy and a lot of good times to my life so I really thank her for her support but from a football point of view it was a pretty easy answer,” Cronk said.
“Melbourne Storm have been really great to me, they’ve basically given me everything I’ve got so hopefully I can repay them with a little bit of love in return.”
Cronk will look to help Storm continue its five game winning streak this Saturday night at AAMI Park against the South Sydney Rabbitohs.
