Scott's 'personal issues' behind Storm demotion and NRL concerns

Melbourne have conceded Curtis Scott's off-field personal issues triggered his deteriorating on-field form and also prompted the NRL Integrity Unit's enquiries into the young star's wellbeing.

Scott was dropped by Craig Bellamy two weeks ago on "form alone" after the club raised concerns with head office earlier in the season over "personal and very private issues" that were affecting the 21-year-old.

Storm CEO Dave Donaghy was assured the Integrity Unit was not investigating Scott in the lead-up to Saturday's Magic Round clash with Parramatta.

Scott's demotion triggered rumblings around the game that he was being offered to rival clubs despite having three years to run on a Storm deal he signed a little more than 12 months ago.

Melbourne are privately and publicly denying shopping Scott around, though NRL.com understands figures close to the young centre believe a move closer to his native Sydney may be in his best interests.

His welfare remains the first priority for the Storm and League Central.

"Curtis had a couple of very personal issues that you would hope would remain private," Bellamy said.

"Having said that, it was reported to the Integrity Unit. But there's never been any investigation, and they told us today that there's no plans for any investigation so we just want to keep it a private matter.

"All our players' welfare is our main concern at all times."

Scott has been named on the Storm's reserves list for the Eels game, having turned out for Sunshine Coast in the Intrust Super Cup last week.

It's been a rapid fall from grace for the Cronulla junior, who was considered a leading contender for a NSW Origin call-up earlier this year after consecutive grand final appearances with Melbourne.

Scott battled a shoulder injury before dubbing his last NRL appearance, against the Roosters marking Latrell Mitchell in round six, as "probably my worst game I've ever played".

"There was a couple of things in Curtis's game that weren't Curtis like," Bellamy said.

"He's got a couple of wonderful traits as a footy player and he wasn't delivering these traits during games and also during the week at training. He probably wasn't where he usually is and not where we expect him to be.

"The reason that he was left out of the side was because of his form.

"When I make those decisions, he's played in our last couple of grand finals, it's not an easy decision for me because there's always points where over a long term, players have done a good job for you. And he has without a doubt."

Bellamy said he had seen a turnaround in Scott at Storm training in the weeks since his demotion, and backed him to return to first grade sooner rather than later.

"For the people that counted it was probably better that he kept playing footy," Bellamy said of keeping the routine of regular game time for Scott.

"There was one week where we thought the week off would do him good. Other than that I think it's better that he keep playing

"These last two weeks he's been really good, his attitude to training. He's started doing the things he's good at again. He's not far away."

Help is available 24/7 for anyone who has mental health issues by calling Lifeline Australia on 13 11 14