The 25-year-old prop has been in a unique position as the Storm have kept an eye on North Queensland's stunning journey through September to Sunday's grand final.

In March, he signed with the Cowboys for three years from the 2018 season and shapes as a long-term successor in the front-row to co-captain Matt Scott.

McLean concedes it will be a "bit weird" to take on his future teammates at ANZ Stadium on Sunday but after joining Melbourne's SG Ball squad in 2009 and playing 84 first-grade games for the Storm over the past five years there is no question where his loyalties lie.

"I wouldn't be in the position I am now in my career if it wasn't for the Melbourne Storm, that's just plain and simple," he said on Monday. "I think they've helped me as a person and as a player. I owe a lot to this place and I just want to go out and do my best on Sunday. I just want to pay them back."

The Young product has prospered at the Storm to the point where after being 18th man for Australia in the mid-year Test he is right in the picture for a call-up to the Kangaroos' World Cup squad.

The club and its senior figures were also enormous supporters of McLean during the most difficult time of his career, when Newcastle's Alex McKinnon was paralysed in a tackle involving the Melbourne forward in 2014.

In the end, the major reason for relocating to Townsville was to be closer to family. His mother and mother-in-law both live in the far north town of Mareeba and he and his partner have two young boys aged two and nine months.

"It wasn't an overnight decision. I went around in circles there for a while," he said.

McLean is one of several Storm grand finalists on the cusp of their final appearances the club. Halfback Cooper Cronk is moving to Sydney and in all likelihood retiring, while back-rower Tohu Harris is off to the New Zealand Warriors and utility Slade Griffin will join Newcastle.

McLean has tried not to give too much thought to life after Melbourne just yet. He has been too intent on ensuring his front-row partnership with Jesse Bromwich continues to form the foundations of Craig Bellamy's side until he makes that last tackle and final run for the team in Sydney on Sunday night.

"I think when it finally happens and I'm packing my bags for a flight up north I'm sure it will be very emotional," he said. "But I haven't really had time to think about it the last couple of weeks. It's onto the next job which is kind of the way I've been taking it. I'm sure it will be tough when the time comes."