The Canberra Raiders' search for an experienced halfback will end with Brett Kimmorley, regardless of whether he decides to retire or move to the capital.
Canberra chief executive Don Furner says the club is ready to put its faith in rising playmaker Josh McCrone instead of scouring the NRL for another playmaker.
However, Kimmorley refused to rule out joining the Raiders when contacted by The Canberra Times yesterday.
Raiders coach David Furner has been leading negotiations with Kimmorley and his manager George Mimis.
The veteran has offers from the Bulldogs, Parramatta and Canberra to continue his 15-season career.
And despite rumours he is set to retire, Kimmorley admitted the opportunity to mentor McCrone could see him join Canberra.
''No, not really,'' Kimmorley told The Canberra Times when asked if he was close to deciding on his future.
''I've had some good communications with Dave [Furner], so that's good.
''[Mentoring some young guys in Canberra] is a possibility, obviously Dave has been very good to me.
''But [I haven't] put a time frame on making a decision.''
The Raiders have been on the lookout for an experienced playmaker to help mould McCrone into one of the competition's dominant No7s.
They had hoped Cronulla skipper Trent Barrett would postpone his retirement and join the Raiders for at least a season.
But after Barrett announced last week he would hang up his boots at the end of the season, Canberra's focus has been on Kimmorley.
Melbourne's Cooper Cronk was also on the Raiders' recruitment wish-list, but it is unknown whether the Storm's salary cap issues will force him out of the club.
For more, pick up a copy of today's Canberra Times
SUNDAY NRL round 21: Melbourne Storm v Canberra Raiders at AAMI Park, 2pm. TV Time: Live on Fox Sports2.
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