Melbourne utility Ryan Hinchcliffe says helping the Storm into a fifth NRL grand final appearance in seven years has vindicated his decision to snub Parramatta’s lucrative contract offer earlier this year.

The Eels believed they had secured the services of Hinchcliffe, who was in the running for a NSW spot this season, when they tabled a deal in the region of $350,000 a year.

Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy is a huge fan of Hinchcliffe but was resigned to him joining the long list of players forced out of the club since the salary cap scandal emerged in 2010.

But much to the surprise of everyone, Hinchcliffe opted to stay put for less money and the 27-year-old has no regrets as he prepares for his second grand final appearance for the club, having been a member of the team that reached the 2009 decider.

“I had a bit of a decision to make and it was a tough decision at the time, but as soon as I made it I was happy and content with it,” Hinchcliffe said.

“It was very good offer that was made to me but I am happy with the deal I got to stay.

“For me it was about what was going to make me happy. I was very settled in Melbourne. I’ve bought a house here. I got married last year.

“I play for a great coach and have some great friends here. I believe footy should be fun and I didn’t want to lose that.”

Bellamy admitted after Friday’s preliminary final win over Manly that he had started to doubt himself after five successive defeats and even consulted some of his senior players to see if he was doing anything wrong.

And Hinchcliffe said that bond Bellamy has with his players makes it very hard to for anyone to leave the club.

“He cares. He loves his players, he wants the best for his players. It’s not about him. It’s about getting the best out of individuals,” he said.

“Everyone has a role to play in the team. They’re the big points he pushes. “He is a great coach and a great leader of this club. I owe a lot to the Melbourne Storm, I owe a lot to Craig for giving me the opportunity.”