Curtis Scott signs contract extension, locked away until 2021

EXCLUSIVE: PRIZED premiership-winner Curtis Scott has signed a three-year extension, locking him to Melbourne Storm until the end of 2021.

Melbourne Storm player Curtis Scott ahead of this week's NRL Grand Final. Picture: Mark Stewart

PRIZED Melbourne Storm young gun Curtis Scott says the lure of sustained success far outweighed any desire to return home to Sydney.

Scott, 20, is the latest player to recommit to the NRL premier, on a lucrative three-deal, valued at about $1.5 million.

The premiership-winner, who played under-20s at Cronulla Sharks, had been on the watch list of pretty much every Sydney-based NRL club.

“I’m really proud of where I’ve come from, my family still lives up there (Sydney),” Scott told the Herald Sun exclusively.

“It’s hard to be in Melbourne but Melbourne is home for me now and I’m happy in Melbourne.”

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Melbourne confirmed Scott’s re-signing on Friday morning.

“We are delighted Curtis has chosen to continue his career with us in Melbourne,” Storm football director Frank Ponissi said.

“He has shown over his first two seasons that he has the ability to play at NRL level and the challenge is now for him to continue to improve. We are looking forward to helping Curtis reach his full potential at Storm.

“It is fantastic our young talent are committing to the Club for the long-term, our members and fans have reason to be excited.”

Curtis Scott calls Melbourne home. Picture: Mark Stewart

As a 17-year-old schoolboy sensation Scott had 11 NRL clubs chasing his signature.

Despite strong ties in Sydney, he moved to Melbourne to “knuckle down” on football.

The precocious centre endured a longer-than-expected apprenticeship at Storm, due to a broken leg in 2016 after only a taste at senior level.
He was recalled during the Origin block last year and again when Cheyse Blair (ankle) broke down late in the season.

Scott grabbed the opportunity and formed a formidable combination on the left edge with Josh Addo-Carr for the last 10 games.

“It’s really exciting for me. I’m locked in until 2021 and don’t have to worry about anything,” Scott said.

“I love the culture we have down in Melbourne and it’s something I want to be a part of for many years to come.”

Scott’s signing caps a startling 12-month campaign by Storm powerbrokers to avoid poaching raids and future-proof the club for life after the Big Three — Cameron Smith, Billy Slater and Cooper Cronk.

Curtis Scott is hungry for more success. Picture: Getty

Suliasi Vunivalu, Brandon Smith, Brodie Croft, Nelson Asofa-Solomona, Jahrome Hughes, Joe Stimson and Addo-Carr all penned long-term contracts last year.

“It’s really exciting for us younger crew coming through,” Scott said.

“We’re all hungry to be successful, so that’s probably the drive behind us.

“We’re just doing our training and learning as much as we can off them (senior players) … hopefully we can keep the Melbourne Storm culture going.”

Scott is slated to play in the World Club Challenge blockbuster at AAMI Park next Friday against Super League champions Leeds Rhinos.

“I can’t wait. It’s been a long preseason, but it’s been really good,” Scott said.

“I can’t wait to pull the boots on again and start playing.”

Last month, Scott was selected in the New South Wales Emerging Origin squad after representing the Blues at under-20 and under-18 level.