Nick Meaney hopes to sit down with Canterbury bosses this week as he weighs up whether to stay with the NRL club or join a rival such as Melbourne.
The off-contract Canterbury back has options for next year, despite facing a fight to remain part of the Bulldogs' revamped backline.
He met with Melbourne officials last week over a potential move to the Storm, with Craig Bellamy in search of a replacement for Cronulla-bound Nicho Hynes.
If the 23-year-old Meaney was to accept an offer to head south, it's likely he would become a back-up option for Melbourne.
While he admits the lure of playing for the reigning premiers is strong, there are several factors to weigh up including opportunity for game time.
"You look at any other sport. You look at the Lakers in the NBA or whoever the top team is in the AFL, any player will want to play for them," Meaney said.
"But at the same time we only play footy for 10 years in our life if we are lucky. So you have to make the right decision for your family and your future.
"It's game time, your financial options and long-term where you want to live.
"They (Melbourne) have lost Nicho Hynes so they need to have someone for that back-up fullback and utility back.
"They see me as taking his role over. It was good to meet with them and see where they're at."
Meaney is also believed to have attracted the attention of other rivals as he weighs up his options.
But the former NSW under-20s representative wants to meet with the Bulldogs again before a final decision.
Complicating the matter is that his manager has been unwell in recent days, putting the process on hold.
The Bulldogs have already signed Josh Addo-Carr and Brent Naden for next year, to go with this season's recruits Nick Cotric and Corey Allan.
Meaney's chance of playing a big role in the Bulldogs' future though has increased with Dallin Watene-Zelezniak moving to the Warriors.
Fellow Canterbury outside backs Will Hopoate, Christian Crichton, Tui Katoa and Jayden Okunbor are off contract at the end of this season.
"We have had conversations with Sharpey (recruitment manager Peter Sharpe) and Baz (Trent Barrett) and my manager going into hospital has put that on hold for now," Meaney said.
"Hopefully my manager is feeling better I can go in this week and I can meet with the Bulldogs and make a decision from there."
Australian Associated Press
