The Hurricanes hope the return of All Blacks halfback TJ Perenara will be the catalyst that sees Jordie Barrett recommit to their side.
Barrett has been arguably the form fullback during the last two Super Rugby Aotearoa seasons and would have no shortage of suitors for his signature - be that at home or overseas - should he opt to leave the Hurricanes.
The Hurricanes roster has shaped significantly this week, regaining Perenara - who'll return from Japan with his new NZR contract - but losing the services of wrecking-ball midfielder Ngani Laumape to French side Stade Francais.
Chief executive Avan Lee says Perenara's commitment may just be enough to see the youngest Barrett brother want to stay with the Hurricanes for the foreseeable future.
"They definitely talk, especially to those senior guys, about what their plans are, where they're heading," Lee tells Newshub.
"I'd be surprised if Jordie didn't know what TJ was going to do before it was announced.
"They want to play with the best, they want to be the best. I'm sure they've all had a good chat about it."
Barrett's current deal with the Hurricanes and NZR expires at the end of 2021. With the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France ticking closer, Barrett, 24, is unlikely to look offshore for his next contract, with plenty of rugby ahead of him.
That wouldn't stop him pursuing a deal with another NZ Super Rugby side, but Lee says contract discussions with Barrett are a "work in progress", giving a clear timeline of when to expect an announcement on his future.
"We're in discussions with Jordie's management and Jordie. It's an ongoing conversation and that will be something we work on over the next six weeks.
"That six week period is going to be really important with Jordie. We've got five, hopefully six games of rugby in that period.
"You've got to be respectful of the player's ability to focus on the game, but this is a big deal for all of us. I'd expect to see something in the next 6-8 weeks, definitely.
"I'm certainly confident, but to go any further than that would be a bit arrogant. We just need to keep our conversations with Jordie up, and work that through with him and his agent.
"I'm confident that he'll be a Hurricane next year."
While keeping Barrett is a priority for the Hurricanes, the club will be just as intent on re-signing captain Ardie Savea, whose contract is also up this year.
Join Newshub for live updates of Super Rugby Trans-Tasman from 7:05pm Friday, Highlanders v Reds
