Storm relief at re-signing Chambers

MELBOURNE Storm has staved off rival clubs and re-signed Will Chambers for the next three seasons.

Official paperwork was lodged with the NRL last 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 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) leaving the club 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 has 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 also signed new deals.

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 later in the season.

He 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 yesterday 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,” he said.