With the threat of recruitment drives from new franchises the Perth Bears and PNG, the Storm have reportedly begun negotiations to retain a star quartet.
According to Code Sports, Harry Grant, Xavier Coates, Jahrome Hughes and Ryan Papenhuyzen have all begun extension talks with Melbourne powerbrokers, with the club hopeful of avoiding their big guns hitting the open market.
Hughes has been touted as a potential marquee target for the Bears, with his management reportedly meeting with the Storm ahead of Round 14.
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Coates, meanwhile, was born in PNG and looms as the perfect candidate to spearhead the 19th franchise based out of Port Moresby.
With Craig Bellamy confirming during the week he will coach the Storm in 2026, he’s now turned his attention to keeping his biggest stars.
All four players will hit the open market come November 1 if they don’t sign a contract extension, with the Bears ready with a war chest to recruit marquee stars.
News Corp is reporting Storm powerbrokers believe they have the salary cap space available to retain their high-profile guns.
That is despite the quarter all being due for contract upgrades, with Hughes earning a reported $830,000 in 2025.
Grant and Papenhuyzen both earn $850,000 or more on their current deals, with Coates’ salary sites at around $600,000.
Should Melbourne hand all four players contract extensions, they will be forking out a reported $10 million in a staggering retention play.
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However, Bears legend and director Billy Moore was of the belief Hughes should be the club’s highest priority target.
“Right now, Jahrome has to be rated one of the top five buys in the league,” Moore said.
“With two new clubs coming in supply needs to keep up and initially that will be difficult so a marquee player such as Jahrome Hughes becomes even more valuable.
“In an expansion NRL environment, his experience, individual brilliance and rugby league IQ makes him worth $1.5 million.
“The Bears need a premiership shot-caller from day one and Jahrome Hughes ticks that box, but Melbourne will do everything to keep him.”
