Melbourne is set to strike a significant blow in the player market with Queensland star Christian Welch to ink a long-term deal to remain at the Storm.
It is understood Welch is set to commit to a new four-year-contract which will see him stay in Melbourne until the end of 2026. The deal is worth about $600,000 a season.
Welch, 27, had been linked with the Dolphins but while they were monitoring proceedings, it is understood the game’s 17th franchise never entered serious discussions with the Melbourne and Queensland front rower.
Welch has established himself as one of the game’s best props and a mainstay of the Maroons outfit. He has also become one of the most influential players in the game through his work with the players union – he is on the board of the Rugby League Players Association.
His new deal is set to see him receive a significant upgrade after he revealed that his current contract was worth $425,000.
“I’ve seen it written that I am on $480,000 and $600,000 but both those figures are wrong. I am actually on $425,000,” Welch told CODE this week.
Article is sort of irrelevant but Christian Welch is an advocate for players wages being public which I'm sure would only be a positive for the fans. on a side note how did the dragons possibly not sign him if Melbourne are only paying $425,000? there would at least have to be $300k worth of TPA?
