Storm centre Jack Howarth is set to remain at the club in 2027 despite speculation that he would be released from the final year of his deal to join the Parramatta Eels.
Howarth was initially floated as part of a swap deal with former Eel Zac Lomax at the start of the year, but those plans never eventuated with the former rep player released from his contract to join rugby.
It’s a blow for the Eels who have been looking for strike out wide, with the club also missing out on Bronson Xerri who has signed with the Storm for 2027 and beyond.
The Storm signed Howarth back in 2022 on a lucrative five-year deal, but it’s been a slow burn for the junior rep star who has battled a raft of serious injuries throughout his career.
Melbourne won’t release him from his contract given they’re already losing Will Warbrick, Nick Meaney and Tyran Wishart to rival clubs, with Xerri and Jamayne Isaako signed to bolster the Storm’s backline.
Howarth addressed the speculation in the Allianz Stadium sheds after his side’s narrow loss to the Roosters before it was revealed on Saturday that he would be staying next year.
“At the moment I’m just trying to focus on playing consistently each week, and then whatever happens, happens,” he told the NewsWire following Friday’s loss in Sydney.
“My focus is just playing good for the team that I’m signed with at the moment and put my best foot forward for those guys.
“I’m pretty good at trying not to read any media or stuff. You do see it, but I communicate with some people that help me process everything.
“I just tie my attention back to the Storm and the team I’m at now, so that’s all I’m trying to do at the moment.
“I’ve got my manager dealing with all that sort of stuff. Like I said before, my goal is just trying to play the best footy I can at the moment.”
Howarth said the 14-6 loss was “brave” considering how many players they had on the sidelines, with Warbrick forced off in the first half with a serious Achilles injury that has ended his Storm career.
The New Zealand international joins Eli Katoa, Xavier Coates and Tui Kamikamica as stars who won’t play again this year, while key halves Cameron Munster (knee) and Jahrome Hughes (hamstring) both missed the Roosters loss.
“It just hurts because when people like that have injuries like that, they don’t deserve it, and it’s just hard seeing your mate in that type of state,” Howarth said.
“We’re all behind him and we’re going to be supporting him through these next couple of weeks. I hope his recovery goes well.
“It’s something that we can’t control, but I think we’ve got this mentality with next man up. I know it’s tragic for the people who are going through those things, but it’s an opportunity for other people to come in.
“As much as we want those people playing, we’ve got other people that can come in and do just as good of a job.”
Originally published as ‘We’re all behind him’: Storm rally around Will Warbrick as Jack Howarth responds to Eels links which have now been blocked