Tonumaipea commits to Storm

Justin Olam

 Melbourne Storm is delighted to announce the re-signing of livewire Young Tonumaipea for the next two years.

He will remain at home in Melbourne until at least the end of the 2018 season with the option of an additional year to follow.

Raised in Victoria, Tonumaipea is a local success story having graduated through the Club’s development program to become just the second of three Victorians to pull on the purple jersey.The 23-year-old has played 28 games for the Club after making his debut in 2014.

Tonumaipea has showed his versatility this season, playing the first six games on the wing and has also lined up in the centres and more recently at fullback, where he has impressed in the last three games.

Storm Football Director Frank Ponissi said securing the exciting youngster was an important step forward for the Club.

“Before Young got injured in Round 8 against the Warriors he was our best outside back by far, he was our most consistent player,” Ponissi said.

“He can play on the left and right wing as well as fullback and centre which is really important in the modern game, his utility role is valuable for us going forward.

“Young is a great role model to all the kids coming through the NRL Victoria system. He is proof that you can come through as a Melbourne kid and make it to the Storm.”

The Club has also signed Vincent Leuluai from the Sydney Roosters and Papua New Guinea winger Justin Olam, both until the end of 2018.

Leuluai, who is currently recovering from knee surgery, will join Storm effective immediately.

Whilst his injury has not ruled him out for the season the Club’s primary focus will be on ensuring the 20-year-old completes a successful rehabilitation while getting to know his new teammates.

Olam will continue to play out the remainder of the season for PNG Hunters in the Queensland Cup before joining the Club in the summer for pre-season training.