The Melbourne Storm are desperately attempting to shed players prior to round one next month to become salary cap compliant, according to a report.
Wide World of Sports claims the Storm are facing "major salary cap problems" which have forced them to offer props Sam Kasiano and Patrick Kaufusi and centre Cheyse Blair to English Super League clubs.
The article states Melbourne require at least two of the trio to move on to fix their financial issues.
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However, foxsports.com.au says the Storm have told them the story is false and there is no cause for concern.
The website says Melbourne's playing group could change by one player at the most prior to the season's start on March 14.
But Matthew Shaw – editor of Rugby League World, a leading magazine which covers the Super League – attested to the three Storm players being shopped to UK clubs.
"Just seen @9_Moley's story on Melbourne trio being offered to Super League clubs. 100% correct, clubs were emailed last week," Shaw wrote on Twitter.
"As ever, cap issues make any move unlikely though. Not many clubs with cap space. Those that do don't have money."
Just seen @9_Moley's story on Melbourne trio being offered to Super League clubs. 100% correct, clubs were emailed last week. As ever, cap issues make any move unlikely though. Not many clubs with cap space. Those that do don't have money.
— Matthew Shaw (@M_Shaw1) February 18, 2019
Leeds Rhinos, who have let three players go in recent weeks, shape as the most likely team to make a bid for one of the Storm men.
"... Fair to say there is a reason why Leeds are trying to shift players," Shaw said in another Tweet.
I'll check with the RFL. But fair to say there is a reason why Leeds are trying to shift players...
— Matthew Shaw (@M_Shaw1) February 18, 2019
The Rhinos already have a sprinkling of NRL talent on their books in former Panthers forward Trent Merrin and ex-Titans back Konrad Hurrell.
As it stands, Melbourne have 29 players in their top squad.
Under NRL rules, each side is obligated to register 29 players by March 1 – meaning that if the Storm release Kasiano, Kaufusi or Blair, they would need to replace them almost immediately.
The simplest solution would be to elevate a development player to a minimum wage full-time contract.
Melbourne's cap troubles apparently stem from the retention of veteran captain Cameron Smith on big dollars, as well the re-signings of a host of rising stars including Curtis Scott, Nelson Asofa-Solomona and Felise Kaufusi.
