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Chambers in line for shock Japan switch

Contracted Storm veteran eyeing overseas move.

Published by
Mitch Keating

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.

"I’ve 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 I’m keen to explore so I won’t be with the club next year.

"I’d 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 wasn’t 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.

Published by
Mitch Keating