The injury blow to front-rower Christian Welch has been branded “massive” and “extremely painful” for Melbourne and Queensland by Wally Lewis.
But the rugby league Immortal has called for new Maroons coach Billy Slater to haul the tireless prop into camp in a bid to “inspire” the troops.
The Storm and Maroons were rocked when Welch ruptured an Achilles tendon during Melbourne’s opening-round match against Wests Tigers on Saturday night, wiping him from the remainder of the season.
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“His work-rate for Storm and Queensland has been fantastic,” Lewis said on Wide World of Sports’ QLDER.
“He’s one of those blokes that puts his hand up to volunteer at every opportunity, and I think the Melbourne Storm are certainly going to feel that.
“It’ll be an extremely painful loss for them and also the Maroons.
“We’ve seen what he’s been able to do; it’s terrific work.”
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Broncos and Maroons legend Darren Lockyer empathised with Welch.
“He’s been unlucky,” Lockyer said.
“He’s such a great guy, he works so hard and he means so much to every footy team he plays in.
“But he’s just had a rough run with injuries.”
Welch has played six State of Origin games and, until he was struck down by injury, was likely to again partner Josh Papali’i in the front row in this year’s series.
Daly Cherry-Evans is the Queensland captain, but Welch is considered a leader without a tag.
That’s why Lewis believes Slater should pull the 27-year-old into camp.
“Certainly, to have him there on game day, the players would be playing for him, as well, realising that he’s one of their great mates, one of their great teammates that puts in so well every time he takes to the field. So, that would inspire them,” Lewis said.
“I don’t know whether it’d make Christian feel all that good,” he laughed.
“He’ll be wanting to get out there.
“But inspirational-wise, I think it would work for his teammates.”
Lockyer highlighted Welch’s value on the pitch.
“One of his great assets is he does the little things really well, (like) that kick pressure; all the stuff that probably in the grandstands you don’t notice but his team notices,” Lockyer said.
“I think if he’s there relaying those messages, reminding those young guys what they need to do – I think that’s going to be beneficial to have someone like that.”
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