The loan deal that will see Storm youngster Harry Grant and Wests Tigers centre Paul Momirovski trade places for 2020 could be finalised as early as Monday.
The inability for the player swap to be finalised has been causing Craig Bellamy frustration in recent times, but the veteran coach was upbeat about the prospects of Momirovski coming to the Storm on Friday.
"The ongoing saga has been longer than War and Peace, but it is looking very likely at the moment," Bellamy said at AAMI Park in Melbourne.
"Hopefully for the two clubs, but more so the two players, there will be a decision really soon.
"It is looking very promising at the moment and by Monday or Tuesday the swap might be finalised."
Bellamy said he hadn't spoken to Momirovski in the last fortnight and he won't be making contact with the Tigers centre until the deal is completed.
Sharks v Storm - Round 2
"I spoke to him when he came down here a long time ago and when I spoke to him about two weeks ago the deal was off," Bellamy said.
"He sounds like a terrific young kid that is very dedicated to his footy and very modest and down-to-earth guy and I thanked him for his patience.
"I rang him to say that to him and now it seems to have changed again, so I will just wait until it is finalised before I talk to him again."
Whether Bellamy decides to insert Momirovski into his starting side for round three remains to be seen, with incumbents Justin Olam and Marion Seve performing well in the centres during the Storm's round one victory over the Sea Eagles.
Finucane fit for Sharks clash
The fact all feeder competitions have been suspended due to the coronavirus adds a further dilemma to Bellamy's decision, with the likes of Momirovski and returning Origin prop Christian Welch only able to put their name forward via performances at training.
"Every club is in the same boat," Bellamy noted.
"Christian had a half-hour last week and we were looking at giving him another two or three games and we thought he would be ready for first grade then.
"It makes it a little bit harder now and he has got to try and make that up through training and it’s not easy when you know you are not playing."
While Bellamy has lots to ponder, his focus is presently based on defeating the Sharks at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium on Saturday night.
The Storm will fly to Sydney on game day and returning to Melbourne the same evening as an extra precaution to protect their players from catching the COVID-19 disease.
"We know it’s going to be a tough old game," Bellamy said.
"We always get it against the Sharks and it will be the same tomorrow night."
