Melbourne Storm have tabled new deals for Harry Grant and Stefano Utoikamanu as the club races to lock up its biggest names before NRL free agency opens on 1 November, according to CODE Sports.
The Daily Telegraph reported on Wednesday that the Storm “have launched a $12 million fight to keep four of rugby league’s most wanted players in a desperate November 1 retention blitz”.
Grant has been offered a three-year contract and Utoikamanu a four-year deal, Zero Tackle reported, citing CODE Sports. The Storm had not announced any new deals at the time of writing.
Why 1 November matters
From 1 November, players whose contracts end after the 2027 season are free to negotiate with rival clubs for 2028 and beyond. That leaves Melbourne only days to get deals done before the rest of the competition can make offers.
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Coates and Munster also in the mix
The report said contract extension talks have also started with winger Xavier Coates, who has been recovering from a long-term Achilles injury.
A million-dollar deal is also available for Cameron Munster, according to the report, with questions growing about his future in Melbourne. Munster’s manager has already said the star five-eighth is not ruling out a move to Sydney.
Read more: Sam Walker’s Roosters Contract Offer Withdrawn Before Free Agency
Zero Tackle said Grant and Utoikamanu are expected to test their value on the open market after 1 November, but that does not necessarily mean either player wants to leave the Storm.
Grant, the Storm hooker, and prop Utoikamanu would both be expected to draw strong interest from rival clubs if they reach free agency.
Melbourne are not the only club in a race against the clock. Several big names across the NRL are weighing their futures this week, with the Roosters, Bulldogs and Titans all involved in high-profile contract stories ahead of the deadline.
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