After struggling to make a decision, Storm centre Beau Champion has told the Melbourne Storm that he will be leaving the club at the end of the 2011 season.
It is a get-out clause that will enable Champion to leave the club, after he made the decision to move closer to his family, with several clubs interested in acquiring his services.
The favourites at this stage, appear to be the Gold Coast Titans, but no official deal has been struck between the two.
I’ve made a decision to tell Melbourne that I won’t be there past this season,” Champion said.
“It’s basically just a family decision and a decision based around me.
“It’s nothing against Melbourne, the club. They’re a fantastic club and Melbourne is a really good city.”
Frank Ponissi, who is the general manager of football operations at the Melbourne Storm, said that the club understand the position of Beau Champion.
“We all know Beau’s situation and the unique set of events which brought him to the club in January,” Ponissi said.
“Beau had the security of a three-year deal, with a clear understanding he had an option to look elsewhere should he not be able to settle … which he was up front about from the outset.
“We respect his decision and everyone here at Melbourne Storm is confident Beau will continue to commit himself 100 per cent to the team for the remainder of the season.”