MELBOURNE Storm’s famous Big Three will finish together as one-club legends with halfback Cooper Cronk inking a new deal.

The Herald Sun understands Cronk has signed with Storm on a lucrative two-year contract, ending months of speculation surrounding his future.

It is believed a deal was struck early this week following a lengthy negotiation between Cronk’s management and Storm chief executive Dave Donaghy.

An announcement is expected to be made by the club on Friday.

media_camera Cronk ofwill finish his NRL career in melbourne.

The retention of the popular Cronk will be a relief to the Storm family given the playmaker’s partner — Fox Sports presenter Tara Rushton — is based in Sydney.

Several Sydney clubs were interested but Cronk decided to remain loyal to Storm, where he has been since making his first-grade debut in 2004.

The new deal means the Big Three will remain intact, with Cronk to join skipper Cameron Smith and fellow star Billy Slater in finishing his illustrious career at Storm.

The new deal will take Cronk, who turns 33 in December, through until 2018.

Smith and coach Craig Bellamy are also contracted until 2018, while the injured Slater has one season remaining on his deal.

media_camera Cronk and Cameron Smith will become one-club legends.

Cronk, who is expected to play his 300th NRL in this year’s final series, is still at the top of his game and one of the favourites to take out his second Dally M medal this year.

He defied an ankle injury on the eve of the first State of Origin game to courageously inspire Queensland to a 2-1 series win over New South Wales.

It led legend Wally Lewis to declare Cronk doesn’t get the respect he deserves and that he should be considered for Immortal status once his career ends.

The new deal is a boost for Storm as it prepares to face struggling South Sydney Rabbitohs at AAMI Park on Saturday night.

The Rabbitohs have dropped their past eight games but will welcome back star Greg Inglis from suspension this week.

Second-placed Storm has won 12 of its past 13 games to all but ensure a prized top-two finish and a home qualifying final at AAMI Park in week one of the finals series.

With the exception of Slater, Storm is almost back to full strength with forwards Jordan McLean (ankle) and Nelson Asofa-Solomona (knee) working towards a return before September.