Why a State of Origin star has been left weighing up an early retirement and could hang up his boots with immediate effect

• A Melbourne Star is weighing up his options ahead of the 2025 season 
• A string of injuries may have forced the footy star into a premature retirement

By ED CARRUTHERS FOR DAILY MAIL AUSTRALIA

Melbourne Storm star Christian Welch is reportedly weighing up whether to retire from professional rugby league.

The 30-year-old’s future in the sport is currently in doubt after he is understood to have sustained a concussion during the first day of the Storm’s pre-season training camp in Geelong.

Welch, who has made six representative appearances for the Maroons during his career, has suffered multiple head injuries during his distinguished playing career and has also battled back from several injuries, including three ACL ruptures and a torn Achilles.

According to The Sydney Morning Herald, Melbourne have held talks with the NRL over his future, after a back problem has also impacted his start to the season.

It is understood that the Storm prop, who has made 163 appearances for the Victorian club, has one year left on his deal with the 2020 premiers.

The outlet adds that he can extend his $600,000-per-season contract by a further season if he plays 18 games or more or is selected to play for the Maroons.

Melbourne Storm great Christian Welch is reportedly eyeing-up a shock premature retirement

The footy star is understood to have suffered a concussion in pre-season training this summer

Welch had struggled with a back injury last year and has battled through ACL and Achilles injuries during his career 

But the report claims he is swaying towards hanging up his boots instead.

An announcement over his future is said to be made imminently.

Welch was named a life member at the footy club in August 2024 after having made his NRL debut for the club back in 2015.

A back injury would play havoc on his 2024 season but Welch still managed to make 20 appearances for the side, helping Storm reach the NRL Grand Final.

Melbourne are also set to be without Nelson Asofa-Solomona for their opening match of the 2025 season. The prop still has to serve a match ban after he was suspended for four games last year for a high shot on Lindsay Collins.

The Storm’s issues of a lack of options in their front row will be eased by the arrival of Stefano Utoikamanu during the summer.

:
Why a State of Origin star has been left weighing up an early retirement and could hang up his boots with immediate effect

***
Read more at DailyMail.co.uk