MELBOURNE Storm has staved off rival clubs and re-signed Will Chambers for the next three seasons.
Official paperwork was lodged with the NRL on Wednesday night for the 29-year-old Australian and Queensland centre.
“With and without the ball he’s very important,” Storm football director Frank Ponissi said.
“He’s one of the best defensive centres in the game … attack wise his ability to break the line and score tries — he’s very potent in that area and he’s also physically imposing as well.”
Chambers (157 games) is currently the club’s fifth-most experienced player, behind Cameron Smith (344), Cooper Cronk (310), Billy Slater (285) and Jesse Bromwich (164).
With Cronk (moving to Sydney), Jordan McLean (Cowboys) and Tohu Harris (Warriors) moving on at the end of the season, it was crucial for Storm to keep Chambers.
Storm entered the season with an arsenal of off-contract stars, but within 12 rounds been able to secure seven gun signings, including Bromwich brothers — Jesse and Kenny — Dale Finucane and Felise Kaufusi.
Injured big man Christian Welch (ACL) and Joe Stimson have also signed new deals.
Billy Slater in action against South Sydney. Picture: GettySource:Getty Images
Slater, 33, is the biggest name on a dwindling off-contract list, which includes Anzac Medallist Nelson Asofa-Solomona and versatile playmaker Ryley Jacks.
Storm officials expect Slater to declare his intentions last in the season.
The superstar fullback is keen to get more games under his belt before making a decision, having missed the best part of the past two years with injury.
Ponissi conceded it was going to be a “tough ask” keeping everyone, with so many players coming off contract this season.
“Clubs like to target our players and that puts them at higher demand in the market and puts pressure to keep them.
“We’ve done well given the three that we have lost have gone for personal reasons rather than any other reason, so it’s just probably having so many (big names leave) all at once has probably magnified the situation.”
Originally published as Done deal: Chambers re-signs with Storm
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