Long claimed the Lance Todd Trophy in 2001, 2004 and 2006

The 30-year-old has already said he would like to move to the National Rugby League when his St Helens deal runs out at the end of 2007.

And PA claims that Long has been discussing a move to the Sharks with new coach Ricky Stuart.

It is believed that St Helens have yet to offer Long a new contract.

Long has been a key member of the Saints squad since joining the club from Widnes in 1997.

606 COMMENT: Give your thoughts on Long's possible departure

He became the first player to win the Lance Todd trophy three times after his man-of-match display in the Challenge Cup win over Huddersfield in August.

But last month Long was quoted as saying: "I've achieved everything in England and a lot of Aussies come to Super League but I'd like to go the other way.

"I always watched the NRL as a kid and it's the best competition in the world. I'll see how the Tri-Nations go and then see if any clubs come for me."

Stuart, coach of the Australia team in the Tri-Nations, left the Sydney Roosters earlier this year and has been appointed as Stuart Raper's replacement at Cronulla.

Long's Great Britain team-mate Adrian Morley, who has played under Stuart at the Roosters, is thought to have played a key role in the discussions.