NRL 2025: David Klemmer, Christian Welch face uncertain future over secret contract clauses | Sunday Sesh

Former Origin representatives David Klemmer and Christian Welch face an uncertain future in the NRL, as Sunday Sesh reveals the secret contract clauses that could decide their fates.

They are the two clauses worth more than $1 million that could determine the future of two former State of Origin stars.

David Klemmer and Christian Welch played against each other in the final game of the 2019 Origin series and now look to be fighting for their futures at the Wests Tigers and Melbourne respectively thanks to clauses in their current contracts that may determine whether they have a deal for 2026.

Sunday Sesh understands that Klemmer needs to play as many as 14 games in 2025 to be guaranteed another year on his deal. Welch needs to play at least 18 games to enact a clause in his deal for 2026.

David Klemmer needs to play 14 games for the Wests Tigers in 2025 in order to activate a contract clause for 2026. Picture: Getty Images

The alternative is to win a State of Origin recall, which would also secure him another season. Regardless, the pair know what they need to do to guarantee themselves a contract in 2026 and extend their careers by another season.

Klemmer turns 31 later this year and is coming off a season where he made 20 appearances in first grade. He was generally a fixture in the Tigers when he was fit and available and there is every chance he hits his mark provided he maintains his form next season.

With Stefano Utoikamanu’s exit, the Tigers will need Klemmer to stand up, although they are also one of three Sydney clubs in the market for Sydney Roosters prop Terrell May.

Storm star Christian Welch will need to play 18 games in 2025 to enact a clause in his deal for 2026. Picture: Getty Images

Sunday Sesh understands that Tigers recruit Jarome Luai has been working hard to convince May to join the club, the pair having recently toured England with the Samoan side.

Welch also made 20 appearances for the Storm, the majority off the interchange bench.

He turns 31 in July and faces added competition in the form of Utoikamanu, who is due to start training with the Storm soon as he targets a starting spot in the opening round.

The Maroons prop has been a loyal servant for the Storm but there were whispers last year that the club would not stand in his way had he secured a longer deal elsewhere.

Welch stayed and his future, along with that of Klemmer, will be one of the stories to keep an eye on in 2025.

Originally published as NRL 2025: David Klemmer, Christian Welch face uncertain future over secret contract clauses | Sunday Sesh