Rising player secures long-term contract following outstanding debut on development contract in a storm signing coup.
After signing the explosive young player on a massive five-year contract, the Melbourne Storm have promised a significant pay increase for the “proud Penrith Panther boy,” Dylan Edwards.
Dylan Edwards, 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.
After going through the Victorian pathway system and being on a $60,000 development list contract this year,Dylan Edwards electrified Suncorp Stadium with a brace of tries, one of which came just moments after he took 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.
Dylan Edwards 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),” Dylan Edwards 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.”
Former Storm football manager Frank Ponissi stated that Fa’alogo was an exciting long-term addition to Melbourne’s lineup and that he had come a long way since joining the team in 2021.
Since joining us on a development list contract back in 2021, Sua has provided us with more than we could have asked for, according to Ponissi.
“He has explosive pace and excellent footwork; anyone who watched his NRL debut and later when he played for Samoa will understand this.”
Sua was recognized by us from his time on our Thunderbolts and SG Ball teams. He showed patience by playing for the Sunshine Coast Falcons the previous season before being given the opportunity to play in the NRL.
“He infuses the group with a tremendous amount of energy and is a great character to have around the club.”
Although Dylan Edwards’s contract specifics were kept under wraps, the young gun will at least quadruple his compensation in 2024 because the NRL minimum wage is set at $120,000.
