Christian Welch has copped a few knocks to the head lately and while he's lamenting a couple of new scars, he said he's willing to sacrifice his modelling career for the greater good.
"The head's going south but we're winning games, that's the priority," he told media this week following our round 14 win over the Roosters.
Welch: 'I love this club - it's a special place'
"To get the result without the Camerons (Smith and Munster) - who are both phenomenal players and important for our team - was a real confidence boost for us.
There's things we value at our club that are not necessarily the things commentators and people in the media like to talk about. A lot of it is effort plays and aggression and urgency - all things we did really well on Thursday night.
Christian Welch On our round 14 win against the Roosters
"Everyone played their role - we had strong efforts across the board that contributed to the win."
After eight consecutive wins, Welch said he was keeping the proverbial lid on his own expectations for this season.
"I've learnt with my injuries and experiences in the game to really enjoy the now and not to look too far ahead," he said.
"I'm really enjoying playing my role for the team and being around this group of guys, it's a really special bunch.
"I truly do feel like we're building something special and it's going to be a big year and hopefully a long final series for us."
When asked if he hopes to stay in Melbourne beyond 2020, Welch (who is off contract at the end of the season) praised the club that's helped shape him on and off the field.
"I love this club - I came here as an 18 year old," he said.
"I'm in talks with the club and seeing how that progresses over the next few months.
"Melbourne Storm has developed me as a rugby league player but also as a young man.
A lot of the values we apply on field at Storm applies to life away from football - respect, integrity and humility among others.
Welch on club culture
As someone who is particularly active on Twitter, Welch spoke about negative comments on social media and the toll it can take on the mental health of players.
"It's such an emotional game - not only for us but for the supporters and people who love the game," he said.
"I've come across a lot of negativity directed towards me - I guess it's about developing a thick skin and knowing where you want to take your feedback from, the people you value in your inner circle - coaches, family and close mates.
"At times the feedback can be negative and other times it can be positive.
"Being a teammate of Josh Addo-Carr and Will Chambers, I've seen some of the racial stuff - Will in particular received terrible racist comments.
"The NRL, players and clubs are doing a really good job of calling it out and hopefully building towards a more inclusive rugby league community."
