Melbourne are certain they want Billy Slater to play on in 2018 but the veteran NRL fullback isn’t so sure.

The 33-year-old is out of contract at the of the season, but Storm coach Craig Bellamy wants another year from his superstar and to avoid losing him at the same time as halfback Cooper Cronk.

Slater has looked near his best, seven games into his return this season after two shoulder operations.

Bellamy said on Thursday the club had opened talks with Slater about a 16th season, however the veteran had put them on hold.

“Billy would like a little bit more time to think about it,” Bellamy said.

“He has come back really well but he wants to be sure that he wants to play another year again and hopefully he will.

“Billy’s had a wonderful career and we’d like to extend that for another 12 months.”

Bellamy said Slater, set for a return this month to State of Origin, was taking extra time to make sure it was the right decision for himself and his family.