Half of the NRL are understood to have Storm veteran Dale Finucane in their sights, with the off-contract lock seen as the most sought-after name in the league this year.

As reported by The Daily Telegraph, the Cowboys, Titans, Tigers, Knights, Sharks, Dragons and Broncos as well as the Storm are keen to utilise the NSW forward's services for the 2022 season.

Finucane has flourished in 2021 as the Storm look to back-up their 2020 premiership with another push at the title, currently placed at the summit of the ladder with a 14-2 record.

SUNSHINE COAST, AUSTRALIA - MAY 24: Dale Finucane in action during a Melbourne Storm NRL training session at Sunshine Coast Stadium on May 24, 2021 in Sunshine Coast, Australia. (Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images)

The 29-year-old has been a key contributor to the club's success, not only over this season, but since arriving from Belmore ahead of the 2015 season.

After seven seasons in purple, a return to New South Wales looks to be growing momentum as the Storm look to battle with their tight salary situation.

While money won't be a major factor in Finucane's decision, there are sure to be a number of lucrative offers from circling rivals in order to secure his signature from next season.

Despite being closely linked to the veteran middle-forward throughout this year, the Bulldogs are not listed as a keen suitor for Finucane.

The Cowboys reportedly offered Finucane a two-year deal in recent weeks, while the Knights and Tigers have upped their chase for the Origin forward.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 22: Dale Finucane of New South Wales walks out onto the field during a New South Wales Blues State of Origin captain's run at Optus Stadium on June 22, 2019 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)

Finucane is one of just eight players off-contract at the Storm for next season, while Josh Addo-Carr (Bulldogs), Nicho Hynes (Sharks), Brenko Lee (Broncos) and Aaron Pene (Warriors) departing Melbourne at season's end.

The club will welcome Broncos winger Xavier Coates and Canterbury utility Nick Meaney from 2022.

Finucane is in line to return to the Origin stage next week after being named on the interchange for game three.