Meet Storm's Top 30

Author: melbournestorm.com.au
Timestamp: Fri 25 Nov 2022, 01:54 PM

With Melbourne Storm’s 2023 pre-season training well underway at AAMI Park, melbournestorm.com.au officially introduces the 2023 squad.

From Top 30 to development and train and trial, get to know all the players representing your Storm this season.

TOP 30

Grant Anderson

Age: 23
Position: Back – Center
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Grant Anderson made his first game in the top flight one to remember as he became the third Storm player to make their first-grade debut in 2022.

During the difficult mid-season Origin period, Anderson was brought onto the wing for Storm’s meeting with the Sydney Roosters in Round 14.

In front of family and friends, the young gun became Storm player #222, scoring an impressive two tries on debut as he played a crucial role in Melbourne’s away win over their rivals.

When he wasn’t playing first grade, Anderson made his impact felt in the Queensland HostPlus Cup for Storm’s feeder club, the Sunshine Coast Falcons.

Anderson has proven himself as another up-and-comer to watch and is sure to impress as he continues with Storm on a one-year deal in 2023.

Nelson Asofa Solomona

Age: 26
Position: Forward

Known for an unrelenting on-field showing, it’s no surprise the forward recorded huge numbers in 2022, including 91 tackle-breaks, 1,221 post-contact metres and 450 tackles with a 93% efficiency. Asofa-Solomona went on to tally nearly 3km in total run metres, averaging 121 run metres per game.

In Round 9, the New Zealand native celebrated his 150th NRL and Storm game in a special clash at AAMI Park. He went on to score a try in honour of his late father in front of a proud purple pride at the Club's home ground.

His further achievements include receiving the call-up to represent New Zealand in his seventh International Test. The Wellington native has also gone again in the black jersey following selection in the team for the 2022 World Cup.

One of the most destructive runners of the ball in the game, the big prop also has a softer side, caring for two daschunds at home. He also became a successful seller of his own branded T-shirts at the end of 2021.

Joe Chan

Age: 20
Position: Forward
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The first of four new signings for 2023, Joe Chan joins storm on a two-year contract from the Catalan Dragons after making 12 super rugby appearances.

Son of Storm player #71, Alex Chan, Joe returns to Melbourne excited to find a new home and family back in Melbourne.

Like his dad, Joe is a natural forward and showcases early signs of versatility on either the middle or edge.

Keen to make his Storm debut, the 20-year-old will be one to watch in 2023.

Xavier Coates

Age: 21
Position: Back – Wing
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A try-scoring machine on the wing, Coates has added considerable firepower to Melbourne’s outside back stocks.

Coates has not wasted any time in purple, making an instant impact in Melbourne, much like he has done throughout his short but eventful NRL career.

The Currumbin Eagles junior made his NRL debut in 2019 as an 18-year old for the Broncos before then making his way onto the Origin arena in 2020 after just 15 first-grade appearances.

Quick to become a fan favourite with the Storm faithful after making the switch from Brisbane at the end of 2021, Coates signed a contract extension with Melbourne in April keeping the flyer in purple until at least 2026.

Finishing 2022 with a total 16 tries, the winger secured the crown as the Club’s top try scorer of the year. Going over the line in nine of his 17 appearances, Coates pulled off two hat tricks throughout the year. Storm and Warriors' annual ANZAC Day clash saw him go on to perform a quadruple try bonanza, racking up 16 of the purple pride’s 70 points

Halfway through his untouchable first season in Melbourne, the winger was selected to represent Queensland in his sixth straight State of Origin. However, an ankle injury in the first half of the series opener saw Coates sidelined for seven rounds, his first long-term injury.

Tom Eisenhuth

Age: 30
Position: Forward – Second Row

Capable of playing as an edge or middle forward, or filling in as an outside back, Tom enjoyed the best season of his NRL career in 2021, playing 17 matches, including seven as a starting forward, scoring four tries.

329 days between stepping onto the first-grade stage, Tom Eisenhuth’s 2022 season began in the second half of the year.

Following a lengthy recovery from an injury sustained in the second half of the 2021 season, Round 19 saw the forward return to the Storm contingent. Playing 23 minutes, Eisenhuth wasted no time, laying down a tackle-break and 12 post-contact metres.

Eisenhuth completes 2022 extending his contract with Storm until the end of the 2023 season.

He has been part of Storm’s Emerging Leaders squad for the past two seasons.

A qualified schoolteacher, he is a keen reader who also enjoys doing crosswords to fill the time on away trips.

Harry Grant

Age: 24
Position: Forward – Hooker
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Harry experienced his first finals campaign with Storm in 2021.

He was in the unique situation in 2020 of playing a season on loan with Wests Tigers, gaining valuable NRL experience on the way to a State of Origin jersey.

Earning the title of Melbourne Storm’s Best Forward of the Year was the cherry on top of an incredible 2022 season for Harry Grant.

From 21 appearances, the hooker solidified himself as one of the Club’s most consistent and reliable forces. Leading Storm’s counts in highest overall tackles (846) with a 91.8% efficiency, most tackles per game (averaging 40.3) and most try-assists (17) Grant was a beast.

The Queensland native continued in fine form as he appeared in the Maroon jersey for a full Origin series, going on to claim his first series win.

With another milestone on the cards, Round 24 saw the Yeppon junior celebrate his 50th NRL match in front of the Storm family at AAMI Park.

One of the best surfers in the club, Harry enjoys heading down to the Bellarine Peninsula or Melbourne’s wave pool on his time off.

Jordan Grant

Age: 28
Position: Forward – Prop

Joining Melbourne Storm in 2021, Jordan Grant become player 214 in Round 18 from the interchange bench.

The forward has been consistently developing his game with the Storm HOSTPLUS Cup feeder club, the Brisbane Tigers. Making three first-grade appearances in 2022, Grant's role with the feeder club earned him the 2022 Best and Fairest award.

Jack Howarth

Age: 20
Position: Back – Centre
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The holder of a Storm contract through to 2027, this is Jack’s second season with Storm’s top 30 squad and he is pushing hard for a debut appearance in the backline in 2022 by honing his skills for the Sunshine Coast Falcons and Victorian Thunderbolts.

Jack represented the Australian Schoolboys and Queensland Under 18s in 2019. His representative stint continued in 2022 after pulling on the Maroon jersey once again for the Under 19s State of Origin.

He enjoys a hit of golf in his downtime and is enjoying the lifestyle that Melbourne offers.

Jahrome Hughes

Age: 28
Position: Back – Halfback
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Jahrome capped off his best year as an NRL player in 2021 by winning Storm’s Player of the Year and Members’ Player of the Year awards, as well as being named Kiwis Player of the Year.

Hughes lived up to expectations in 2022, cementing himself as one of the competition’s best playmakers.

Hughes’ game was stepped up to another level in Round 6, pulling on the captain’s hat in absence of Jesse Bromwich and Christian Welch, leading the squad to a 34-18 win over the Sharks. The milestones continued in Rounds 19 and 21 when he celebrated 100 NRL and Storm games, respectively.

In the mid-season Representative Round, the New Zealand native joined the 2022 Kiwi International Test squad. Hughes will again pull on the black jersey as he lines up for New Zealand in the 2022 Rugby League World Cup.

Hughes has since re-signed with Storm until the end of 2026, where he is sure to continue to flourish as a league-best halfback.

He is part of the club’s Leadership Group and a key figure in the team’s on-field leadership.

Dean Ieremia

Age: 21
Position: Back – Wing
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Dean was promoted to Storm's top 30 squad two days after scoring a try in the 2021 pre-season trial win against Newcastle. He is a graduate of the Victorian Thunderbolts system.

After being crowned Melbourne Storm’s 2021 Rookie of the Year, Dean Ieremia, rang in yet another solid season in 2022.

Appearing in Craig Bellamy’s side for 11 appearances, 2022 saw the 21-year-old continue his efforts on the wing with 27 tackle-breaks, four line-breaks, 1,020 total run metres and three tries. An exciting run in Round 15 saw Ieremia secure two tries, furthering Storm’s win over the Brisbane Broncos 32-20.

The winger enters 2023 with an extended contract until the end of the year, continuing to proudly represent his state on the NRL stage.

George Jennings

Age: 29
Position: Back – Wing
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One of three Jennings brothers to play in the NRL, George enjoyed a career-best season in 2021, scoring 11 tries in 18 appearances and playing in two finals games.

Unfortunately, he suffered a season-ending ACL injury in round one of the 2022 season against Wests Tigers, but following a strong rehabilitation effort, he looks to return to the line-up in 2023.

He is the nephew of 1960s All Black Arthur Jennings and became a first-time father (son Hunter) in January last year.

Tui Kamikamica

Age: 28
Position: Forward – Prop
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Making his first grade debut in the purple jersey in 2017, Tui has gone on to improve with each following season. Bringing home 3 tries in 2021, Tui has since become a regular in Craig Bellamy’s game day selection.

Entering his sixth season with Melbourne Storm, Tui Kamikamica recorded another solid year in the purple jersey.

Making a late return to the squad in 2022, the prop made his comeback in Round 10, going on to appear in every match for the rest of the year. The forward maintained his strong presence on field, securing two tries, 14 tackle-breaks, 631 post-contact metres, 1,541 total run metres and 494 tackles with a near-perfect 96.9% tackle efficiency.

A proud Fijian, the prop has represented his home country over 13 times in annual test matches and world cup rounds, including the 2022 World Cup.

Eli Koatoa

Age: 24
Position: Forward – Second-Row
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Back-rower Eliesa 'Eli' Katoa joins Storm from the Warriors on a two-year contract in 2022.

Born and raised in Tonga, Katoa moved to New Zeleand thanks to a scholarship from Tamaki College in 2017, allowing him to study while training.

Eli joined the Warriors after making his mark in rugby union for the Tamaki College First XV in Auckland's elite competition.

Blasting onto the NRL scene in 2020, Eli made a huge impression the moment he made his debut against the Newcastle Knights in the first round of the season.

An intimidating presence on the edge, Katoa arrives in Melbourne having played 46 NRL games, scored 10 tries and a proven capacity to play big minutes.

Josh King

Age: 26
Position: Forward – Prop

Beginning his career as a miner in Newcastle, going on to Storm ahead of the 2022 pre-season, Josh went on to take out the ‘iron bar' award for outstanding effort in the notoriously difficult ‘I Don’t Quit’ camp. This impressive effort earnt him a Storm debut in Round 1 of the 2022 season, becoming player 219.

Named in Craig Bellamy’s run-on side in 16 of his 26 appearances, King rounded out the remainder of his consistent season off the bench, becoming the only Storm squad member to play every game of 2022.

In Round 23, the forward celebrated his 100th NRL game and is sure to reach many more milestones as he continues on this trend. King’s workmanlike style saw him finish in second place for tackles at the club in 2022 with 716.

King’s efforts for the year did not go unnoticed with the forward named in the 2022 Australian Men’s Prime Minister’s XIII squad.

Trent Loiero

Age: 21
Position: Forward – Second Row
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In his second season with Melbourne Storm, young gun Trent Loiero showed why he's a player to keep an eye on in the Club’s forward pack.

In 2021 Loiero made his NRL and Storm debut, becoming player 212 in Round 4. Playing 6 games the second rower scored two tries, making an immediate impression.

Recording 17 appearances in the 2022 season, the 21-year-old went on to make his impact felt off the interchange bench. Two tries, two line-breaks, 1,255 total run metres and 294 tackles with a lofty 96.4% efficiency saw the forward continue his development at the top level.

He will continue to bolster Storm’s strike force, signing to remain at the Club until the end of the 2025 season.

Alec MacDonald

Age: 21
Position: Forward – Lock
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After joining Storm on a train and trial contract MacDonald soon became a bolter for Melbourne’s 2022 season opener, earning himself a first-grade debut and becoming Storm’s 221st player in the process.

Possessing a tireless work ethic and an engine that allows him to run all day, MacDonald has proved to be an asset to Craig Bellamy’s bench in his debut season.

Going on to make 12 appearances, eight of those in wins, MacDonald has become an impressive young force on the field with his ability to play big minutes off the bench to ease the burden on the side’s forward rotation. Scoring his first try in Round 17, the forward ended the season with a complete 12 tackle breaks, 685 run metres, 231 tackle and a huge 95.4% tackle efficiency.

The 20-year old will continue to learn from the experienced Melbourne forward pack around him as he develops his game within the Storm system. So far Macdonald has featured for Storm at NRL level, Brisbane Tigers in the HOSTPLUS Cup as well as the Thunderbolts at U20 level.

Nick Meaney

Age: 25
Position: Back – Fullback
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Joining Melbourne Storm ahead of the 2022 pre-season after stints at the Newcastle Knights and Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, Nick has developed into a key utility role within the Storm squad.

With a deep understanding and feel for footy, Nick made his debut in the purple jersey in Round 1 of the 2022 season, becoming player 218. Whether he’s named on the wing, in five-eighth or as fullback, Nick manages to excel and play a crucial role in the on-field team success.

Ten consecutive goals in Round 23’s win over the Broncos saw the Ballina junior record his best performance, bringing in 20 points.

Claiming the joint title as Melbourne Storm’s 2022 Best Back of the Year, the new recruit also ended the year as the Club’s top point scorer (148), top goal scorer (48) and third overall try scorer, landing 13.

Tepai Moeroa

Age: 27
Position: Forward - Prop
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Beginning his NRL career in 2014 with the Parramatta Eels, Tepai Moeroa made the code switch to rugby union in 2020.

He made the return to rugby league in 2021 in Melbourne Storm’s forward pack. Becoming player 215, Moeroa made his purple jersey debut in Round 21 off the interchange bench. Playing four games at the end of the season, Moeroa showcased his defence bolstering abilities.

Moeroa went on to start 2022 as a constant fixture amongst the forwards. However, after scoring his first try of the season in Round 8, the forward suffered a shoulder injury, ruling him out of the NRL line-up for the remainder of the year.

The Cook Island international began his football return in the Queensland HostPlus Cup with Storm feeder club, the Sunshine Coast Falcons. Of his four appearances with the semi-finalists, he recorded 6 tackle breaks, another 196 post-contact metres, a 93.9% tackle efficiency and 487 total run metres.

\Moeroa capped off the 2022 season by representing his heritage with the Cook Islands squad in the 2022 World Cup in Leeds.

Cameron Munster

Age: 28
Position: Back – Five-Eighth
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Among the most exciting playmakers in the comp, Munster has been in scintillating form throughout his entire career. Showcasing versatility with stints at both five-eighth and fullback, he also showcases his impressive form representing Queensland in every Origin since 2017.

Welcoming baby Jaxon at the end of 2021, Munster entered a new chapter as a force to be reckoned with.

As the 2022 Melbourne Storm Cameron Smith Player of the Year and Dally M Five-Eighth of the Year, 2022 was a season like no other for the 28-year-old. Appearing almost everywhere and anywhere on the field, it’s no surprise he went on to lead the Storm count in tackle-breaks (117), line-breaks (17) and was second in try-assists (16), line-break assists (15) and offloads (34).

Further, a mid-season call-up to pull on the Maroon jersey for the 15th time saw the five-eighth earn praise all throughout the rugby league community, securing a try and man-of-the-match performance in the series opener in Sydney.

A proud 'One-Club Man', Munster has signed to remain in the purple jersey until the end of the 2027 season.

Jayden Nikorima

Age: 26
Position: Forward – Hooker
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Beginning his rugby league career with the Sydney Roosters, Jayden joined Storm before the 2022 pre-season. With strong foundations, Jayden has continued to develop at a state level in the HostPlus Cup playing for Storm feeder club, Brisbane Tigers cementing his place as a key playmaker.

Becoming Melbourne Storm player 223 in Round 16 of the 2022 season, Nikorima assumed the role of five-eighth covering an injured Cameron Munster. From his first 2022 run, the playmaker recorded 16 tackles and 13 receipts.

He went on to complete his season as 18th man in multiple matches, providing a solid utility option for the Club.

Re-committing to Storm until 2023, we are sure to see a lot more of Nikorima next season.

Jayden is the younger brother of South Sydney Rabbitohs halfback, Kodi Nikorima. He proudly went on to make his international debut for the Maori All-Stars against the Indigenous All-Stars earlier this year, with his brother co-captaining the team.

Ryan Papenhuyzen

Age: 24
Position: Back – Fullback
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Arguably the competition’s most damaging fullback, Papenhuyzen has the weapons to take the game away from any opposition in a heartbeat.

Papenhuyzen joined Storm in 2017 from Wests Tigers after a promising junior career which included representative appearances for NSW at U16 and U18 level as well as selection in the Australian Schoolboys side.

Finding his way into a bench utility role, Papenhuyzen made his NRL debut in Round 4, 2019 and proceeded to play 22 first-grade games in his debut season, which included three finals appearances.

The Dundas Shamrocks junior went from strength to strength in 2020, not showing any signs of any second-year blues. The season finished in the best possible way for Papenhuyzen, with a premiership and Clive Churchill medal as Storm triumphed over rivals Penrith.

Injury reduced the speedster to 15 games in 2021 but failed to limit his impact with the star still managing to score 14 tries from nearly as many appearances. For Papenhuyzen one thing is for certain, higher honours at state and international level are only a matter of time.

2022 was an impressive, yet short-lived season for Melbourne Storm’s Best Back of the Year. He made 12 appearances on the first-grade for the year. Unfortunately, a hamstring tear in Round 10 and then fractured kneecap in Round 18 ruled him out for the remainder of the season.

Despite only playing half the season, Papenhuyzen wasted no time when on the field. The number one's efforts were specially recognised in Storm’s annual ANZAC Day - awarded the Spirit of ANZAC Medal.

Away from the footy field, you’ll find Paps either on the golf course or working on one of his business ventures.

Aaron Pene

Age: 27
Position: Forward – Prop
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Aaron Pene returns to Melbourne Storm on a two-year deal

A late developer at first grade level, Pene originally joined Storm from the CQ Capras midway through the 2019 season and made his NRL debut against St George Illawarra at the end of the 2020 season.

He played nine games for Storm in 2021 before taking up a contract with the NZ Warriors where he played 14 NRL matches in the recently completed season.

Pene’s 2022 season also featured five games for Redcliffe in the Hostplus Cup.

Jonah Pezet

Age: 19
Position: Back - Halfback
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A part of Storm’s top 30 squad, Jonah continues to develop at a state level in the HostPlus Cup with the Storm feeder club Brisbane Tigers. 2022 also excitingly saw the halfback selected to represent NSW in the inaugural Under 19s State of Origin where he went on to be named man-of-the-match.

Jonah is son of former South Queensland and Parramatta halfback Troy Pezet and when not playing footy, he enjoys a hit of golf with Paps.

Justin Olam

Age: 28
Position: Back - Centre
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After a string of impressive performances at feeder level, Olam was called up to pull on the purple jersey in Round 15 of the 2019 season.

A reliable force on the field with seemingly no sense of self-preservation, his fearless style has won him countless fans in Melbourne, while thousands more watch him every week in rural PNG where he has solidified himself as a cult hero who even regularly messages the PNG Prime Minister.

Going on to claim Dally M Centre of the Year at the 2021 award, Olam has signed to remain with the Club until 2026.

Justin Olam’s fifth season with Storm in 2022 produced yet another solid run. Scoring 10 tries, 5 try assists, 204 tackles and 3,010 run metres, Olam kept the energy from game one right through to the finals. Going on a try-scoring rampage early in the season, he collected 24 points in four consecutive clashes.

The proud Papua New Guinean was named to represent his country for the 10th time and featured heavily in their Test win against Fiji. Olam will again suit up for his country at the 2022 World Cup in England.

Marion Seve

Age: 27
Position: Back – Centre
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Making his NRL debut off the interchange bench in his NRL debut in Round 2 of the 2019 season, he went on to secure 14 minutes of game time in Round 3, where he scored his first try.

Overcoming adversity away from the footy field to play first-grade rugby league and his resilience made his successful breakout season even sweeter. Maz then went on to proudly make his representative debut for his home country of Samoa in 2019.

Earning the title of Melbourne Storm’s Most Improved, Marion Seve recorded a career-best season in 2022. From 15 appearances, the centre came away with three tries, two try-assists, six line-breaks and 45 tackle-breaks. A special effort in Round 14 saw Seve secure a double try, taking Storm over the line to beat the Sydney Roosters 26-18.

With an unbreaking work-ethic, Maz has rightly earned the title as one of Melbourne Storm’s most resilient players.

Tariq Sims

Age: 32
Position: Forward – Second-Row
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NRL veteran, Tariq Sims joins the Melbourne Storm forward pack on a one-year deal from the St George Illawarra Dragons continuing a 221-game career.

2011 saw the Gerringong Lions junior make his NRL debut with the North Queensland Cowboys. Going on to spend four seasons with them, Tariq went on to join the Newcastle Knights in 2015, followed by the Dragons in 2016.

The former Junior Kangaroos representative has also represented the Fiji Bati and Country Origin side on five and six occasions respectively. In 2018 he extended his representative resume making his State of Origin debut for New South Wales. He would play a further Origin in 2019.

Reimis Smith

Age: 25
Position: Back – Wing
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Signing with Storm at the beginning of the 2021 season, Reimis has gone on to become a near-permanent fixture on the Club’s wing. His infectious smile and 15 tries (and counting) for Storm has quickly seen him as a beloved player by fans and teammates alike.

Unfortunately, Round 9 of the 2022 season saw the Centre injure his pectoral muscle, leaving him unable to compete for the remainder of the year.

However, from his nine appearances, the 27-year-old showed much promise recording three try-assists, 15 tackle breaks, 116 tackles with an 88.6% efficiency, 603 total run metres and one try in the season opener.

Extending his contract until 2024, Reimis is sure to continue to develop and make more memorable moments in the purple jersey.

He is also the son of former rugby league player Tyran Smith.

Will Warbrick

Age: 24
Position: Back - Wing
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An athletic outside back in the making, Warbrick’s height and strength will make him tough to handle aerially as he makes the switch from union to league.

Before changing codes, Warbrick was a member of the All Blacks Sevens squad that was beaten by Fiji in the gold medal game at the Tokyo Olympics.

No stranger to rugby league, Warbrick, who hails from Kawerau, NZ played the 13-a-side game at high school.

Christian Welch

Age: 28
Position: Back - Prop
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Arriving in Melbourne as a fresh-faced Queenslander, Welch has graduated through the Storm development system to now become the club’s co-captain.

Starting his journey in purple at U20s level after schooling at Brisbane’s Villanova College, Welch went on to captain the Thunderbolts before earning his way onto the NRL list. His first-grade debut followed shortly after in Round 9, 2015.

Plying his trade in the HOSTPLUS Cup with the Brisbane Tigers, Welch made himself a regular in Craig Bellamy’s bench rotation in 2016 and narrowly missed out on a maiden premiership as Cronulla held off Melbourne in the big dance.

It would not be smooth sailing over the next few seasons with two separate ACL injuries forcing the front-rower for two lengthy stints on the sidelines. As a result, Welch missed out on Storm’s 2017 Premiership and was unable to feature in the Club’s 2019 finals run.

The time would come though for one of the most loved players in the competition when the big man got his fairytale at the culmination of the 2020 season as Storm triumphed over rivals Penrith in the Grand Final.

Alongside Jesse Bromwich, Welch was named Captain of Melbourne Storm in 2022. Unfortuantely, the leadership role was short-lived after the front rower suffered a season-ending Achilles injury in Round 1.

The 28-year old has made six appearances at Origin level after making his Queensland debut in 2019.

Welch also sits on the board of the Rugby League Player’s Association.

Tyran Wishart

Age: 22
Position: Back – halfback
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Ultra competitive and just as versatile, Tyran Wishart has adapted well to life in Melbourne.

Joining the Club midway through 2021 after a stint with the Dragons in the NSW Cup, Wishart found himself in Craig Bellamy’s calculations for Round 1, 2022 after a strong pre-season.

Since making his first-grade debut in Round 1, the Gerigong junior has filled the important utility role off the bench on a number of occasions, often playing out of his weight division in the middle of the park.

The utility's season was unfortunately cut short, suffering a syndesmosis in Round 23.

His impressive efforts went on to earn him the 2022 Billy Slater Rookie of the Year at Storm's Player of the Year awards

He is also the son of Dragons legend Rod Wishart.