Panthers hope to get claws into Welch

PENRITH have locked their sights on injured Melbourne Storm prop Christian Welch.

A formal offer has not been tabled for the off-contract Queensland Origin star but his name is being heavily discussed inside Panthers HQ.

Welch, 25, ruptured his ACL this month and is out for the rest of the season, and Penrith believe they might now pick him up at a cheaper price.

The Townsville Bulletin has been told Welch had all but agreed to a $500,000-a-season offer from Parramatta before he was injured.

He had even met Eels coach Brad Arthur and toured Parramatta’s training facilities.

The Eels have since backed away from the deal but may come back with a reduced offer.

Canterbury were also interested in Welch earlier in the season but it has waned. Welch also met with Bulldogs officials.

Welch has an option in his favour to remain at Melbourne next season. He wants to stay but knows the Storm cannot offer any contract guarantees beyond next year.

The Panthers feel the need to strengthen their front-row stocks given James Tamou’s career is winding down and fellow prop Reagan CampbellGillard could make a midcontract move to Parramatta.

It is understood CampbellGillard’s management met with the Eels last week but no details of that meeting have been relayed back to Penrith.

Sources claim CampbellGillard could move to Parramatta now that Penrith are interested in Welch.

However, Penrith have worked out their salary cap issues and are content to keep Campbell-gillard if a deal with Parramatta cannot be reached.

If so, the Panthers might be unable to sign Welch.

The Storm have been resigned to losing Welch, who made his Origin debut in Game Three this year, for several months, due to salary cap constraints.