Jamie Buhrer joined the Newcastle Knights in sudden and unexpected circumstances last year but he has started discussions to extend his career at the club beyond next season.
Buhrer is one of 14 players off contract at the Knights next year with Sione Mata'utia, Trent Hodkinson and Brock Lamb the other big names on the free agent list.
The 28-year-old arrived at the Knights on a two-year contract in 2016 following a sudden release from the Manly Sea Eagles that allowed Akuila Uate to head to Brookvale.
Openly disappointed by his sudden exit from the Northern Beaches at the time, the former NSW representative declared he has settled into the Newcastle lifestyle "seamlessly" and has no intentions of looking elsewhere.
"I'd love to stay and there are some things in place," Buhrer told NRL.com.
"The family is settled and we're not looking to move away. We've enjoyed the move and are enjoying Newcastle.
"I'm quite confident I will be here [in 2019], nothing is guaranteed but I'd love to be here for the whole of the ride.
"From what I understand they don't want me to leave so it could be sorted sooner rather than later. As long as you're playing well, you're always going to be wanted."
Having impressed teammates and the coaching staff since joining the club, Buhrer has been earmarked by coach Nathan Brown as a captaincy candidate for the new year.
While Buhrer conceded he would relish the opportunity to lead the new-look side, the addition of several seasoned players at the club gives Brown plenty of options.
Veteran forwards Chris Heighington (317 games), Jacob Lillyman (250 games) and Sydney Roosters recruits Mitchell Pearce (238 games) and Aidan Guerra (154 games) nearly double Newcastle's experience from their round 26 starting side alone.
They were also boosted by the mid-season arrival of 200-gamer Shaun Kenny-Dowall in July.
"It's what we need," Buhrer said.
"I think having the quality – not only are they senior players but quality who have achieved plenty in the game over the course of their career.
"The more voices that are getting across the message that is needed throughout the team and direction we need to go the better.
"With the addition of those senior players and growth of some of the younger players it certainly brings a confident vibe around the place.
"Everybody is ready to swim in the right direction and take us where we need to go. I'm loving the challenge and certainly not looking to jump off the wagon now."
