Storm signing coup: After a great start on a development contract, rising talent signs long-term agreement.
After re-signing the explosive young player on a massive five-year contract, the Melbourne Storm have promised a significant pay increase for the “proud Melbourne boy,” Sua Fa’alogo.
Faalogo, who turns 21 in March, made the Storm’s top 30 list this year after garnering attention in just one NRL game the previous year—a Round 27 matchup against the Broncos.
Fa’alogo, who entered Suncorp Stadium through the Victorian pathway system and was on a development list contract earning just $60,000 this year, lighted up the scoreboard with two spectacular tries, one of which came immediately after he entered the field in the first half.
In the Pacific Championships at the end of the previous season, he then gave an incredible performance for Samoa against the all-star Australian lineup, solidifying his status as a rising talent and Melbourne’s must-have signing.
Fa’alogo said it was a dream come true to sign the massive deal and vowed to “repay them on the field” with pundits already urging Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy to get him in to the line-up as soon as possible as a wildcard off the bench.
“It is really unbelievable for me to be playing next to guys like (Cameron) Munster, Paps (Ryan Papenhuyzen), Harry (Grant) and Hughesy (Jahrome Hughes),” Fa’alogo said.
“I am a proud Melbourne boy and proud Samoan. My family is here and I loved playing footy with Northern Thunder growing up. To have the chance to be part of the Storm is a dream come true.
“I can’t thank Craig and the Club enough for what they have done for me over the last couple of seasons and hope I can repay them on the field when my time comes.”
Long-serving Storm football boss, Frank Ponissi, said Fa’alogo had come a long way since joining the club in 2021 and was an exciting long-term addition to Melbourne’s line-up.
“We can’t have asked for any more from Sua since he joined us on a development list contract back in 2021,” Ponissi said.
“Anyone who saw his NRL debut and then when he played for Samoa will know he has explosive pace with exceptional footwork.
“We identified Sua when he played in our Thunderbolts and SG Ball teams and has been patient playing with the Sunshine Coast Falcons last season before getting his chance to play in the NRL.
“He is a great character to have around the club and brings an enormous amount of energy to the group.”
The details of Fa’alogo’s contract weren’t released, but the NRL minimum wage in 2024 is $120,000, ensuring the young gun will at least double his salary.
But in all likelihood, the new deal is worth even more.
