The Parramatta Eels are keen to re-sign their star Jarryd Hayne, despite not having commenced contract negotiations with the 30-year-old.
Hayne previously told the media he would use his post-season break to weigh up his playing future with the blue and gold.
With the Eels due back at pre-season training on November 1, the club is looking to have contract talks done and dusted by the time training begins.
Eels CEO Bernie Gurr told NRL.com the club doesn't want to put added pressure upon Hayne.
"Jarryd is just back from vacation so we're not rushing anything just yet – taking our time," Gurr said.
"We want Jarryd to play and our belief is, although we haven't spoken yet, is that he wants to stay.
"Within the next month, we'll be having discussions with Jarryd and see what happens."
The length of the proposed contract is yet to be determined with Hayne's management and the club still negotiating towards an agreement.
There's no doubt Hayne attracts fans to the stadium, and given the Eels will be playing in a newly refurbished 30,000 seat Parramatta Stadium in 2019, it will surely increase the outside back's value.
Despite having a disrupted 2018 season through a hip-flexor injury and a stomach complaint which led to a change in diet, Hayne proved his worth to the team given the little amount of game time he had.
Hayne only managed four appearances in the first 13 rounds, but finished the year strongly playing the final 11 matches - where his best individual performance was with a hat-trick against the Dragons in Round 22.
Predominantly used in the left centre role, Hayne showed his versatility by also featuring on the wing and at fullback with coach Brad Arthur utilising Hayne's different skills sets with great effect.
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