The momentum of Melbourne Storm’s season has continued on the upward curve with Kevin Proctor re-signing with the club for a further four years.
Media reports surfaced earlier today that Proctor had in fact joined the Raiders but a late bid by the Victorian club is believed to have kept the Kiwi international in Melbourne.
The much sought-after Kiwi had attracted interest from the Raiders, Dragons, Roosters and Warriors but the Storm have managed to trump them all and retain their man.
It is a vital signing for the club given fellow back-rower Ryan Hoffman has already announced he would join the Warriors at season’s end.
There had been much speculation Proctor would also be pried away with a lucrative contract but weeks of contemplation has seen the long-haired Kiwi pledge his future to the purple jersey.
“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 on the club’s website.
“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 is another tick for the Storm football department, who also re-signed Jesse Bromwich as well as captain Cameron Smith earlier this season.
With Bromwich and Proctor’s commitment, as well as promising youngsters Kenneth Bromwich, Tohu Harris and Jordan McLean all gathering first-grade experience the Storm have a strong talent pool in their prop rotation.
Proctor has played 114 games for the Storm since debuting for the club in 2008.
The second-rower’s durability has seen him play a minimum of 22 games in each of the past four seasons.
His consistency has continued into 2014, playing all ten games at an average of 65 metres and 28 tackles, as well as scoring three tries.
Proctor has been a vital cog in the Melbourne side that has improved its ledger to 6-4 courtesy of back-to-back wins ahead of the troublesome Origin period.
The Storm currently sits in 5th spot on the NRL ladder with games against the Cowboys (away) and Roosters (home) to come.
