Melbourne Storm have brought Young Tonumaipea back to the club after he penned a contract for the remainder of the 2022 NRL campaign.
The Storm are priced at 14/5 to win the 2022 NRL grand final and they now have the 29-year-old back on board to help them after his career went full circle.
Two-year break
Tonumaipea played in 43 NRL games for the club before taking a two-year sabatical in 2018. He then returned to the NRL with the Gold Coast Titans in 2020 and played 10 games.
More recently the outside back has been playing Rugby Union with the Melbourne Rebels in Super Rugby, but is now back with the Storm after penning the train and trial deal.
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Tonumaipea is delighted to be back with the Storm and is looking forward to making the most of another opportunity with the club.
“When I left Melbourne midway through 2018, I thought that would probably be the last time I’d be wearing purple,” he said.
“It’s funny how the world works sometimes. It’s done a full circle. “I’m buzzing and ready to go.”
Valuable addition
Meanwhile Storm General Manager of Football Frank Ponissi has saluted the move and believes the winger will be a valuable addition to Craig Bellamy’s ranks.
“Young was a very popular and respected member of the Storm squad during his previous time with the club,” he added. “I think we all hoped, especially considering he’s a junior from the northern suburbs of Melbourne, that at some stage he would rejoin us.
“After his stint in rugby, Young was very keen to return to rugby league and Storm and, at 29, he still has a lot of good footy to come. I know there’s going to be many members and fans who will be very happy to see him back in purple.”
