Kevin Proctor re-signs with the Storm. Source: News Corp Australia
MELBOURNE Storm has fought off a number of cashed-up poachers to secure Kevin Proctor with the in-demand forward penning a new four-year deal.
The 25-year-old decided to knock back a more lucrative offer with Canberra to stay with Storm until the end of 2018.
ANXIOUS STORM HOPE PROCTOR REPELS CANBERRA RAID
“I’ve invested a lot of time into the club and agreeing to terms is about me showing my appreciation to Melbourne Storm and repaying the loyalty they have shown me in the seven years I have been here,” Proctor said.
“My heart is with Melbourne, this is home for me and it would’ve felt weird to picture myself leaving the Club.
“In weighing up the decision, I just knew I would be happier here and you can’t put a price on happiness.”
It would have been a big hole to fill had Proctor left given fellow starting back-rower Ryan Hoffman will join the NZ Warriors at the end of the season.
Melbourne's Kevin Proctor in action. Source: News Corp Australia
Canberra threw big money at Proctor and thought they had their man until the New Zealand international informed them of his decision on Tuesday afternoon.
The Dragons — who sacked coach Steve Price on Monday — were also in the hunt but dropped out of the race at the eleventh hour.
Proctor — whose partner is soon expecting a baby — has been at Melbourne since he was a teenager.
The 2012 premiership player has played 114 first-grade games since debuting in 2008.
His right-edge combination with Cooper Cronk has proved deadly this season.
He follows in the footsteps of the recently re-signed Cameron Smith, Jesse Bromwich and Tohu Harris.
It comes as Storm prepares to meet North Queensland Cowboys in Townsville on Saturday night.
A swag of stars from each team will be backing up from the State of Origin opener in Brisbane on Wednesday night.
Kevin Proctor re-signs with the Storm. Source: News Corp Australia
Melbourne’s usual suspects will all take part, including Billy Slater, Cooper Cronk, Ryan Hoffman, Smith and possibly Will Chambers.
All were on Tuesday night named for Saturday night’s game, along with Ben Roberts — who returns from injury to replace Joel Romelo (ankle) at No.6.
The Cowboys will also have key men backing up in Johnathan Thurston, Matt Scott, Brent Tate and James Tamou.
They will also be without enforcer Tariq Sims, who has been suspended for two games for a dangerous throw.
But they still possess a strong forward pack and Storm prop Jesse Bromwich said he looked forward to locking horns with Tamou and Scott.
Kevin Proctor of the Storm is tackled. Source: Getty Images
“It’s going to be a good test,” he said.
“I look forward to those challenges and I’ve been watching them for the last few years and try to base my game on a couple of things that they do.
“They get really involved in the game and their stats are right up there.”
Melbourne’s last start was a convincing 27-14 win over South Sydney at ANZ Stadium.
“It was really good for the overall confidence of our team because it was our most complete performance we’ve had this year,” he said.
“It’s always a tough period for us with the Origin guys now but we’ve got young guys coming in some of the other senior boys need to stand up.”
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