Cooper Cronk has reportedly told his manager he wants to play on in the NRL in 2018.

Speculation has been rife over Cronk’s future since he announced he was leaving Melbourne in April to move closer to his partner, with the 33-year-old continually refusing to rule out retirement.

But according to News Corp, the two-time Dally M winner met with his manager George Mimis on Friday and told him to look into options for the next two years.

“Cooper asked me to explore what opportunities are out there and he will play if the right option exists,” Mimis said.

Cronk is back in Sydney before the Kangaroos regroup for camp ahead of next week’s World Cup opener against England.

The Sydney Roosters remain the favourites to lure the Queensland and Kangaroos playmaker to their club, while South Sydney ruled out interest last week.

Cronulla were also previously in the hunt for the ex-Melbourne star, in a move that could have freed five-eighth James Maloney up to chase more money elsewhere.