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Storm forward Nelson Asofa-Solomona still has a year to run on his current contract, but Melbourne aren’t taking any chances.
According to nrl.com, the Storm are close to finalising a three-year extension for the Kiwi giant, that will keep in Melbourne until the end of 2022.
The new deal is expected to be announced shortly after the grand final.
Asofa-Solomona has played 76 first grade games for the Storm, and 5 Tests for New Zealand.
A grand final spot mightn’t be all the Sharks and Storm are fighting over.
According to The Australian, the Sharks have been linked to Storm star Cameron Munster, when he comes off contract at the end of 2019.
The story suggests that the Sharks are one of three sides Munster is contemplating playing for, with the other two being the Roosters, and his current club, the Storm.
The potential signing of Munster likely hinges on the Sharks’ ability to keep custodian Valentine Holmes. Should Holmes remain in the Shire, it’s unlikely the Sharks would have either the money or the position to accommodate Munster. If, on the other hand, Holmes heads to the Cowboys – as has been widely suggested – then Munster would likely become their top priority.
Munster has played 87 first grade games for the Storm, 4 Origins for Queensland, and 2 Tests for Australia.
As expected, Storm skipper Cameron Smith will be going around again next season, after signing a one-year extension to remain in Melbourne.
According to The Daily Telegraph, Smith’s new deal will be worth around $1 million.
Smith has played 382 first grade games for the Storm, 42 Origins for Queensland, and 56 Tests for Australia.
Among a laundry list of retiring NRL stars, this will still be one of the biggest.
According to Fox Sports, Storm fullback Billy Slater is set to announce his retirement on Wednesday, bringing an end to speculation over his playing future.
In many ways we’re fortunate that he’s retiring now, and not two seasons ago, after consecutive shoulder injuries appeared to have brought his stellar career to a halt.
The fact that he came back to play at the highest level once again is an enormous accomplishment in itself, and Slater will retire as arguably the greatest fullback to have ever played the game.
Slater has played 313 first grade games for the Storm, 31 Origins for Queensland, and 30 Tests for Australia.
The Storm’s youth movement is set progress in 2019, with back-rower Ryan Hoffman the next NRL star to call time on his career.
According to the Herald Sun, Hoffman has decided to retire at the end of this season, despite Storm coach Craig Bellamy saying on the weekend that Hoffman would be welcome back if he chose to play on.
He hasn’t, and as a result will join a growing list of household names finishing up this year, headed by future Immortal Johnathan Thurston.
Hoffman has played 319 first grade games for the Storm and Warriors, 14 Origins for New South Wales, and 6 Tests for Australia.