Melbourne forward Christian Welch could be set to depart the Storm at the end of this season, with veteran coach Wayne Bennett reportedly keen to lure the young prop to Redfern.

Welch, currently sidelined with a knee injury, was featured heavily in Origin selection conversations for the Maroons before an awkward tackle saw him ruled out for 4-6 weeks.

Despite signing James Roberts to a two-and-half year deal this week, the Rabbitohs still have a decent amount of salary cap left in their kitty. With โ€˜Jimmy the Jetโ€™ expected to earn $400,000 next season, it leaves close to half a million dollars for the Bunnies to play with and upgrade an already stellar line-up.

Coupled with the expected retirement of John Sutton and departure of George Burgess, reports initially named Brisbane props Tevita Pangai Jnr and Matt Lodge as Bennettโ€™s targets for the 2020 season.

However, the inconsistent form from Pangai Jnr and Lodgeโ€™s desire to remain in Red Hill has seen Wayneโ€™s attention to below the New South Wales border, and onto the off-contract Welch.

Playing predominantly off the bench for Melbourne in 2019, Welchโ€™s numbers have been more than impressive, racking up an average of 110 metres, 21 tackles and an offload per game in his ten appearances this year.

He was a near certainty to feature in Queenslandโ€™s squad, whether that was in the Game I side or as 18th man is unknown.

Already boasting the signatures of Sam and Tom Burgess, Cameron Murray, Tevita Tatola and Ethan Lowe on their books for next season, Welchโ€™s signature would ensure the Bunnies engine room would remain as dominant as it has this year.

Itโ€™s a rare case where Craig Bellamy loses a man he wants to keep, but itโ€™s also not often that Bennett doesnโ€™t get the man he wants.

Destined to play in a Maroon jersey in the next few seasons, and at 24 is entering the prime of his career.

With Bennett and a decent paycheque behind them, it seems Christian Welch is a wanted man in Wayneโ€™s World, and could become a Rabbitoh in 2020 and beyond.

9 COMMENTS

  2. That’s interesting considering the dogs are on the limit of their salary cap until end of 2021.
    Maybe he loves the dogs that much it isn’t about the money, happy to play for free.

  3. actually the dogs do have some cap space for 2020. and 2021 is when they have a lot more psace.

    People daid we didn’t have cap space for 2019 and we still signed Meaney CHN Crighton Cogger Napa (replace kelmmer). The board has said they will spend their money wisely.

    A new coach will be great

  4. We will see then, Iโ€™m hearing dogs have signed him and joe Stimson.
    Not having cap space and not being able to sign anyone are very different things.

  6. RIP Woody. Did not often agree with your comments re Souths but had to respect your love of the Roosters!!!

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