The Storm host the Warriors in their traditional Anzac Round encounter, pitting Foran against one of his suitors. The 2016 grand finalists are seeking a replacement for departing playmaker Cooper Cronk, who is moving to Sydney to be closer to fiancee Tara Rushton. Melbourne very rarely go to market for an established or representative player, with Michael Crocker a rare exception. However, club powerbrokers are prepared to go to market for a marquee half and have identified Foran and St George Illawarra captain Gareth Widdop as the top two available on the open market.

Foran will be in Melbourne for Tuesday's clash and wants to use the opportunity to tour the Storm's facilities and meet with coach Bellamy and his key staffers. The Kiwi international is keen for the visit not to disrupt his game preparations and is likely to seek the permission of Warriors officials to do so.

"We are yet to rule any candidate out," Storm chief executive Dave Donaghy said.

"We won't be rushed into anything, there are a number of retention and recruitment decisions to be made in the coming weeks and months."

As revealed by Fairfax Media last Friday, Foran is also at the top of Newcastle's wish list. After missing out on Brisbane-bound Shark Jack Bird, coach Nathan Brown has turned his attention to Foran and personally pitched the Knights vision to him over the weekend. Canterbury are also in the mix for Foran, although they are also keen on Cronk.

Foran has indicated he is keen to move back to Sydney to be closer to his family, a factor that counts against a shift to Melbourne. However, the Storm will still be able to mount a strong case for his signature. The Storm inevitably will remain a genuine finals threat next year with or without Foran, releasing some of the pressure that may be on him to resurrect a struggling Sydney side. The 26-year-old will be closer to his family than is currently the case without having to live the fishbowl existence that is life in league-mad Sydney.

Foran has engaged player agent Sam Ayoub in an indication he is unlikely to remain with the Warriors beyond this season. The Storm are keen to speak to him about his mental and physical wellbeing - Foran has had issues with his shoulder and hamstrings - before determining whether he is worth a multimillion-dollar investment.

Now that Tigers halves Luke Brooks and Mitchell Moses have signed for next season, there are few quality halves on the open market. Widdop, Canterbury's Josh Reynolds, Cronulla halfback Chad Townsend and Warriors No.7 Shaun Johnson are among the last of the gun playmakers yet to determine their future.

The Storm have scoured the list and are keen on Foran or Widdop. The latter has spent almost half his career in the purple jersey and is producing some of his best form for the Red V after a disappointing 2016. The Dragons have put an offer to Widdop, but the parties are some way off agreeing to terms.

Next Tuesday's Anzac encounter will be the eighth between the teams since the fixture was introduced in 2009. NRL CEO Todd Greenberg paid tribute to the thousands of servicemen and women who have fought to protect the freedom of many.

"Thousands within military roles have had a connection to rugby league over the years - either involved in the game or as fans," Greenberg said.

"Anzac Round is always an occasion treated with respect, honour and dignity, as it should be.

"I will be one of many within the Australian and New Zealand rugby league communities attending a match and honouring those who have valiantly ensured the freedom that both countries enjoy."