Rugby: Reds discard close to league return

Will Chambers will head back to league after being released by the Reds for their 2012 Super Rugby campaign. Photo / Getty Images

Code-crosser Will Chambers will jump back to rugby league, and likely return to the Melbourne Storm, after being released by the Queensland Reds.

Chambers is set for his second code switch in two years after the Reds officials on Friday told AAP he had missed a place in the Super Rugby champions' roster for 2012.

The bullocking centre, only denied Wallabies selection last year due to shoulder surgery, is now weighing up whether to return to Melbourne or link with Canterbury.

Chambers was a regular member of the Storm's backline when Melbourne won the 2009 NRL grand final, after he'd already signed to play for the Reds, and has remained in close contact with coach Craig Bellamy.

The Bulldogs have been interested for several months in making the 23-year-old a replacement for Gold Coast-bound star centre Jamal Idris while there's also been interest from Cronulla.

Negotiations between the Queensland Rugby Union and Chambers' management ended a week ago when the QRU decided they could not find room in their 30-man squad.

QRU chief executive Jim Carmichael admitted it was a hard call to make but was in the best interests of both parties after Chambers had struggled with being a bench-warmer this season.

While Wallabies mentor Robbie Deans was a big fan of his line-breaking abilities in his debut season, Chambers struggled for confidence in 2011 after returning from his shoulder operation.

The Northern Territory product started only six of the Reds' 18 matches as Ben Tapuai and Kiwi recruit Mike Harris were preferred as Anthony Faingaa's centre partner.

Chambers also spent the entire 80 minutes of last month's 18-13 final triumph over the Crusaders on the bench and was disappointed to be out of contention for World Cup selection.

"He's a quality person and a gifted footballer but we couldn't satisfy ourselves that we could develop him next year where he was playing week-in, week-out," Carmichael told AAP.

"As a young man emotionally he needs to be playing football.

"Some guys are OK being (stuck) behind a player but he's one who gets his confidence from what he does and that's play football.

"We didn't think it was in his interest either that we couldn't be sure we would get him on the paddock."

The decision does alleviate some salary cap pressure for the Reds and also helps them in their battle to keep in-form Test winger Digby Ioane, who has received a $1 million per season Japanese offer.

Chambers also received offers from rival Super Rugby provinces but told officials he did not want to play against Queensland.

He made similar comments of not wanting to oppose the Storm when he left Melbourne.

"He's a loyal bloke in that respect and a good team man so that doesn't surprise me," said Reds coach Ewen McKenzie.

"There's a strong affinity there and fond memories."

- AAP