The Brisbane Broncos have reportedly expressed interest in acquiring veteran Melbourne Storm prop Christian Welch for the 2025 NRL season. According to Newscorp, the Broncos are seeking additional depth and seasoned experience in their forward pack, particularly following a disappointing fade-out at the end of their 2024 season. Welch, who is currently under contract with the Storm through the end of the 2026 season—with a mutual option for that final year—can begin negotiating with other clubs starting November 1 of this year.
The Storm, meanwhile, are poised to welcome former Wests Tigers prop Stefano Utoikamanu for the upcoming season. They also have several key forwards signed for the near future, including Nelson Asofa-Solomona, Josh King, and Tui Kamikamica, all of whom are contracted for various years up to 2028. Additionally, the Storm have promising young forwards like Lazarus Vaalepu emerging through their ranks.
At 30 years old, Welch is a seasoned player with considerable experience. He has been a part of the Storm since his debut in 2015, amassing 161 games for the club and also representing Queensland in six State of Origin matches. Despite his extensive experience, Welch’s role has recently been limited to coming off the bench. This shift could potentially make him a candidate for an early release to accommodate salary cap considerations, potentially freeing up space for the Storm.
The Broncos have struggled to adequately replace Thomas Flegler, who moved to the Dolphins, and have become increasingly dependent on the performances of Patrick Carrigan and Payne Haas. While Fletcher Baker and Jaiyden Hunt were added to the squad in 2024, their impact has not met expectations, highlighting the team’s ongoing need for more seasoned players. The Broncos are eager to bolster their forward pack with experienced figures to complement their promising young talent.
