Melbourne Storm prop Christian Welch on losing captaincy, throws support behind Harry Grant

Christian Welch didn’t expect the moment Craig Bellamy pulled him aside to say he was taking the captaincy off him, but knows why Harry Grant had to be the one to succeed him.

DAILY TELEGRAPH 4TH SEPTEMBER 2023 Pictured at the Telstra offices on George Street in Sydney for the 2023 NRL Finals Series media launch is Melbourne Storm captain Christian Welch. Picture: Richard Dobson

Christian Welch was disappointed when he lost the captaincy at the Melbourne Storm. Bitterly disappointed to tell you the truth.

But that won’t stop the Storm front rower throwing his full support behind his successor Harry Grant. Nor will it prevent him busting a gut for Melbourne this season as he attempts to help the Storm close the gap on premiership high-flyers Brisbane and Penrith.

So determined is Welch to rediscover his mojo, he turned down the opportunity to be part of the club’s leadership group so he could concentrate on playing.

“When I found out I was going to lose the captaincy, I felt it was important for me to focus on playing well,” Welch said.

Christian Welch (second from left), surrounded by Storm teammates Josh King, Xavier Coates and Nick Meaney. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

“I love this club and I just want us to be successful. No dramas – Harry is going to be a great captain.

“It is a good time for him to take the reins and I will just continue to work, play well and let those guys drive the off-field stuff.

“I have been here 12 years. It was a huge privilege being captain. I understand that no one is bigger than the club.

“Bellsa’s (coach Craig Bellamy) obviously felt the need for a chance which I understand and respect. It is not the end of the world.

“Obviously it is a very proud thing and then to have that taken off you, yeah, it is what it is. I am still at the Storm, loving being part of this club and want us to be successful.

“If they feel we need to go in a different direction, I support that.”

Still, it was a tough pill to swallow for Welch. When Bellamy delivered the news that the club was heading in a different direction, Welch was rocked.

If not him, he is quick to acknowledge that Grant was the logical choice. The Queensland and Australian No.9 is one of the best players in the NRL and has immense respect among his peers for his work ethic and commitment.

“Harry is going to be a great captain – I remember seeing him in my first year of first grade and he was captain of the Thunderbolts (under-20s),” Welch said.

Captain Harry Grant, flanked by his deputies Jahrome Hughes and Cameron Munster. Picture: Josh Chadwick/Getty Images

“I remember seeing him at Leichhardt (Oval) and looking at him leading the line speed. You could tell how much he rallied the team.

“I could see he was going to a great first grader and a great leader. He is going to be a great captain from the Storm. My job is to help support him.”

Welch has also sacrificed his role with the players union, having played a central role in their stoush with the NRL last season over collective bargaining talks.

He knows as much as anyone that this is a pivotal year in his career and he needs to minimise the distractions.

He is now more than a year removed from the Achilles injury that decimated his 2022 season and like everyone in Melbourne, there is a quiet determination to show the club is still a force.

Their mission to silence the doubters steps up a notch in Fiji on Saturday as they play Newcastle in their final trial.

“I think we probably need to evolve as a footy side,” Welch said. “We’re always going to be a really tough side and work hard for each other. During the regular season that has always put us in good stead and finishing third last year was a good result, but at the same time you take on Penrith Panthers and Broncos and score four points in two (finals) games.

“You ask if you had a good year and you came third on the ladder, but then didn’t really compete with the top two sides, it is probably not a good year when you think about it.

“I am a pretty motivated guy. I wouldn’t say I am the most skilful guy but I like to think I work really hard and try to continually improve.

“Look, you see a lot of stuff on social media. Whether that is fair or not, it is not really debatable at the moment. You just have to go out and play well.

“Everyone at this time is feeling good, running PBs and training the house down. Until you start playing games there is no real point in me trying to think how well I am going to go.”