Does anyone remember this?

Storm seek compensation for early release of Josh Addo-Carr in form of like for like player swap or transfer fee

Source: www.nrl.com news; By Dan Walsh Fri 20 Dec 2019, 05:08 PM

Melbourne are prepared to release representative star Josh Addo-Carr on compassionate grounds provided the Storm receive compensation in the form of a transfer fee or player swap following the 2020 season.

The Storm confirmed their stance on Friday afternoon after Addo-Carr met with coach Craig Bellamy and CEO Dave Donaghy earlier this week

The NRL's fastest man is keen to return to Sydney following a change in family circumstances.

At this stage, Addo-Carr will see out the 2020 season with Melbourne while the club explores "options for an early release", according to a members update from Donaghy on Friday afternoon.

"The board yesterday morning instructed management to explore options for Storm to provide Josh with an early release from his playing contract, on compassionate grounds, at the end of the 2020 season," Donaghy wrote.

"To achieve this, Storm would be seeking fair value for Josh in return by way of a combination of the following: transfer fee; player swap, with the player being of commensurate standing [and/or] salary cap relief for doing the right thing by the player, and providing some extra support for Josh, not dissimilar to the recent scenario in the AFL with Tim Kelly at the [Geelong] Cats.

"We believe this would be a fair outcome for all parties given the investment Storm has made in Josh and that we find ourselves on the cusp of the 2020 season.

"Most importantly, it would allow Josh’s request to be met and we, and the game, would be able to continue to support him and his family in the transition back to Sydney."

Timeline
2017: Addo-Carr joins Storm (for seasons 2017-2021)
Late 2019: Requests compassionate release to return to family in Sydney; Storm say yes “only with like-for-like replacement" or adequate compensation
2020: Storm explore options but Addo-Carr stays.
Jan 2020: South Sydney interested but Storm refuse to budge
Nov 2020: Storm refuse early release from final contract year. Tigers drop off the hunt.
Nov 2020: Tigers are interested but Stom refuse to budge
2021: Finishes final season at Storm.
2022: Joins Bulldogs.

Oh HOE I love this. Just shows the hypocrisy and the look after ourselves only mentality. Just look at that timeline.

You could possible add these as well.

Melbourne Storm maintains a strict policy to ensure they are not competitively disadvantaged when losing star talent. The like player for like player is one of their policies. They have others as well.

Below is from AI.

Brandon Smith (2021): While seeking an early release to play as a starting hooker elsewhere, Smith's management proposed a unique "pay-as-you-go" scheme. The idea was for Smith to personally forfeit a portion of his salary (estimated at $200,000) to bridge the gap if the Storm needed to pay more to secure a "top-class" replacement. Smith eventually remained with the club until his contract expired.
Harry Grant (2020): In a landmark move, the Storm granted Grant an "early release" for one season only through the NRL's first-ever player loan. This was a direct application of the "commensurate value" principle: they released their rising star hooker to the Wests Tigers specifically because they received Paul Momirovski in return to fill a depth need in their backline.
Justin Olam (2024): Olam was granted an early release from his contract (which ran until 2026) to join the Wests Tigers. This release was facilitated by a direct player swap for Shawn Blore, satisfying the club's requirement for a ready-made replacement for their forward pack.

"No what's pathetic is bending over when we have the leverage in the given situation.Value is the key here we need at least equal value.If your thinking Blore and cash or an outside back of some description is some sought of deal Parra should covert…"

Replies

Blue Eel January 20, 2026 at 3:29pm
Oh HOE I love this. Just shows the hypocrisy and the look after ourselves only mentality. Just look at that timeline.

You could possible add these as well.

Melbourne Storm maintains a strict policy to ensure they are not competitively disadvantaged when losing star talent. The like player for like player is one of their policies. They have others as well.

Below is from AI.
- Brandon Smith (2021): While seeking an early release to play as a starting hooker elsewhere, Smith's management proposed a unique "pay-as-you-go" scheme. The idea was for Smith to personally forfeit a portion of his salary (estimated at $200,000) to bridge the gap if the Storm needed to pay more to secure a "top-class" replacement. Smith eventually remained with the club until his contract expired.
- Harry Grant (2020): In a landmark move, the Storm granted Grant an "early release" for one season only through the NRL's first-ever player loan. This was a direct application of the "commensurate value" principle: they released their rising star hooker to the Wests Tigers specifically because they received Paul Momirovski in return to fill a depth need in their backline.
- Justin Olam (2024): Olam was granted an early release from his contract (which ran until 2026) to join the Wests Tigers. This release was facilitated by a direct player swap for Shawn Blore, satisfying the club's requirement for a ready-made replacement for their forward pack.
- Hell On Eels > Blue Eel January 20, 2026 at 5:28pm
  
  Thanks, Bluey. The additional historical precedence was well spotted.
Axel January 20, 2026 at 4:19pm

'Fair Value' seems to be the common denominator here. Let's see how that turns out for us!
LB January 20, 2026 at 5:05pm

Well forcing us? well they will lose fans from the game. if we say ...
- Hell On Eels > LB January 20, 2026 at 5:27pm
  
  Using the media to pressure is one thing, but V'landys can’t force the club in any lawful way. He’d want it resolved, yet his public silence to date is telling. Out of character. Legal escalation would drag this out and be worse for him and Lomax.
  - Randy Handlinger > Hell On Eels January 21, 2026 at 1:55am
Mr 'BringBackFitzy' Analyst January 21, 2026 at 5:05am

Didn't Storm release Fox only when Dogs agreed to swap out Meaney and Remis Smith?