23 Facts About Christian Welch

Christian Welch was born on 19 July 1994 and is a former Australian professional rugby league footballer who last played as a prop for the Melbourne Storm in the National Rugby League.

Christian Welch was a NRL premiership winning player of 2020 and played for Queensland in the 2019 State of Origin series.

Christian Welch has one older brother, Brendan, and a younger sister, Lauren, his mother Lyn and father John.

Christian Welch's family relocated to Gladstone before settling in Brisbane.

Christian Welch played his junior rugby league for the Eastern Suburbs Tigers and Gladstone Brothers, before being signed by the Melbourne Storm.

In 2013 and 2014, Christian Welch played for the Melbourne Storm's NYC team.

Christian Welch made his debut in round 9 of the 2015 NRL season for the Melbourne Storm against Parramatta.

Christian Welch played eight of the first nine games for Melbourne Storm, averaging career highs in metres run and tackles per game.

Christian Welch was forced to have a knee reconstruction, denying him of a chance to play in Melbourne's 2017 NRL Grand Final victory.

Christian Welch started the season with victory against the Leeds Rhinos in World Club Challenge.

Christian Welch was drafted into Queensland State of Origin camp ahead of Game 2 in Sydney, but did not play.

Christian Welch was part of the Melbourne team that played in the 2018 NRL Grand Final.

Christian Welch made his State of Origin debut for Queensland in game 3.

Christian Welch played a total of 16 games for Melbourne in the 2019 NRL season as the club claimed the Minor Premiership.

Christian Welch played in games 1 and 3 of Queensland's shock series victory in the 2020 State of Origin series.

Christian Welch played a total of 21 games for Melbourne in the 2021 NRL season as the club won 19 matches in a row and claimed the Minor Premiership.

In round 1 of the 2022 NRL season, Christian Welch was taken from the field during the clubs match against the Wests Tigers.

Christian Welch played 25 games for Melbourne in the 2023 NRL season including all three finals matches as the club were defeated by Penrith in the preliminary final.

On 21 August 2024, Christian Welch was inducted as a life member of the Melbourne Storm.

Christian Welch played a total of 20 matches for Melbourne in the 2024 NRL season as the club finished as minor premiers.

Christian Welch played in Melbourne's 2024 NRL Grand Final loss against Penrith.

On 12 February, Christian Welch announced he had retired prior to the start of the 2025 season citing ongoing back issues which were affecting his every day life.

Just the day before announcing his retirement, Christian Welch had been absent from the team photo due to suffering a concussion during pre-season training.