Benched Storm star’s NRL future up in air
Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy agonised over the decision to dump the Queensland State of Origin star, who could explore options with rival clubs.
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Will Chambers’ future hangs in the balance after he was dropped to the bench for the semi-final against Parramatta.
The Melbourne Storm veteran, who played only 14 minutes in Saturday’s 32-0 bashing of the Eels, is contracted next season but could explore other options.
Coach Craig Bellamy agonised over the decision to dump the 31-year-old Queensland star.
“I had a few sleepless nights making that decision because of our relationship,” Bellamy said.
“To his credit, he made it easier on me than he could have, so I appreciate that.
“I don’t want to get too mushy here, but I’ve coached Will for 12 years and it’s not easy to drop a player who has given this club that much good service — he has done wonderful things for our club.
“I just thought it was the best thing for our team.”
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Bellamy confided in skipper Cameron Smith before making the tough call.
“He was pretty distraught about it,” Smith said.
“To leave him out of the starting side was a really difficult decision for him, but Will, to his credit, handled the week really well.
“He (Chambers) was really supportive of the decision and was really supportive of Curtis Scott coming into the side.”
Bellamy told Chambers last Tuesday, but Scott’s recall was made public only an hour before kick-off. Scott held up his end of the bargain, combining neatly on the right edge with back-rower Felise Kaufusi and winger Suliasi Vunivalu.
Scott has been battling form, injury and distractions off the field this season, but all of a sudden is on a crash course with Sydney Roosters superstar Latrell Mitchell.
“I just worked my backside off up there (reserve grade) and forced ‘Bellsa’ to pick me pretty much,” Scott said.
“You certainly have dark days, especially when you get an injury and your name gets tossed around all over the shop but … if I want something, I work my backside off to get it.”
Scott has welcomed the chance to test himself against Mitchell.
“If I want to be the player I want to be, I’ve got to have big games against quality players like him,” Scott said.
“I just got to turn up with the right attitude and do the best I can.”
Originally published as Benched Storm star’s NRL future up in air