Melbourne veteran Will Chambers looks to be heading for the exit with negotiations growing between the out-of-favour Storm centre and Japanese side Suntory Sungoliath, according to SMH.
Despite being contracted with the Storm for the 2020 season, Chambers is deep into discussions with the Japanese franchise that could mean he could have played out his final game in the NRL this year.
Both parties are hopeful to strike a deal that will compliment Suntory's growing depth while likely being Chambers' last contract of his career.
The former Maroons and Australian centre has a brief history with the 15-man format, having plied his trade with the Queensland Reds for two seasons before a stint with European side Munster.
The 31-year-old was named on the bench in Melbourne's finals win over the Eels as Storm coach Craig Bellamy opted for Curtis Scott to start in his place.
Chambers returned to the starting lineup in his side's loss to the Roosters last Saturday as a late inclusion for injured winger Suliasi Vunivalu.
If Chambers is to make the switch overseas, he won't be the only Storm player making an exit, with Solomone Kata opting not to exercise his option to play on in Melbourne next season.
The Kiwi international has struggled to break into Bellamy's lineup since arriving from the Warriors and has been heavily linked with a move to the ACT Brumbies.
"Iโve really enjoyed my time here at Storm and made some good friends over the past few months," Kata said.
"However another opportunity has come up that Iโm keen to explore so I wonโt be with the club next year.
"Iโd like to thank everyone at Storm for making me feel so welcome and wish the boys all the best in 2020."
Storm football manager Frank Ponissi acknowledged Kata's value since moving to the Storm.
"Although Sol wasnโt able to break into our minor premiership-winning team, he proved to be a popular squad member who was always willing to help his new teammates get the best preparation possible for their NRL match each week as well as doing his job with the Tigers," Ponissi said.
"He leaves us with our best wishes for the future."
Raiders winger Jordan Rapana is likely to join Chambers in Japan, with a move to Panasonic Wild Knights set to be announced after Sunday's Grand Final. Rapana will join former Wallabies and Crusaders coach Robbie Deans who is currently at the helm of the Japanese club.
He has been missing something this year. I’m only guessing but he looks like he might have less lateral movement. I have rarely seen him take a step this season. Still put in very professional performances in defence, but definitely feels like he can’t attack so much.
Oh bugger, I am going to miss Will Chambers, being Latrell Mitchell’s bitch in state of origin, assuming that both would be selected.
I don’t see the need to pick Latrel for the Blues
We did just fine without him.
There is no denying his abilities but he is a self absorbed spoilt brat who thinks the game owes him instead of the other way around.
Chambers to Japan, Cam smith to retire, Solomone kata to union.
Just in time for the storm to go out into the market the at the start of November and make some nice additions.
Jai Arrow would be be good for this side.
Issac Luke to hell replace Cam Smith
And then just some added depth I think
Luke would be perfect for this side. Brandon Smith would start but Issac would be great teacher after learning lots of Cam. Plus the impact Luke could have from the bench would be great. Jai Arrow would make a really solid middle with Finucane and Jesse Bromwich. These 3 would get through a ton of work and let NAS and others from the bench let rip.
Good point, kev, then who will take his place?
Yeah Latrell has a huge chip on his shoulders and is one permanently angry young man and an arrogant b@stard. He definitely needs to move away from the roorters and get his head straight
Thanks God, Storm don’t read and act on idiotic and childish comments here, like getting 2nd grade players like Jai Arrow, Issac Luke, etc. The more comments I read here, the more I am convinced that even a 2-year old kid would post something more intelligent. LOL.
Jai Arrow is not second grade you idiot.
AlexRetiman, it is called having an opinion, meaning no one is right, or wrong. That concept is clearly lost on you.
“Jai Arrow is not a 2nd Grade Player” …. LOL.
โAlexRetiman, it is called having an opinion, meaning no one is right, or wrong. That concept is clearly lost on youโ
If you think jai arrow is a 2nd grader your opinion is wrong.