Moses Leo is following the identical path as former New Zealand Olympic sevens star Will Warbrick, switching codes and international locations to play NRL with the Melbourne Storm.
Contemporary off the Paris Olympics the place the Kiwis missed the medals, Leo has signed a two-year take care of the minor premiers, though he received’t hyperlink with the membership earlier than the 2026 season as a consequence of his NZRU contract.
Storm director of soccer Frank Ponissi mentioned the membership had been impressed with Leo’s enthusiasm to check himself in rugby league.
“We’re very impressed with Moses’s qualities and the sturdy want he has to check his abilities in rugby league,” Ponissi mentioned.
“Though we received’t get to see him till November subsequent 12 months, signing Moses is a glance to the longer term.
“It’s vital we proceed to construct our record, particularly with the prospect of latest groups becoming a member of the competitors.”
The 27-year-old additionally performs 15-a-side in New Zealand’s Nationwide Provincial Championship membership with North Harbour as a winger though the Storm consider he may play within the centres or at fullback.
Warbrick was a part of New Zealand’s silver medal-winning outfit on the Tokyo Olympics earlier than making the change from sevens to rugby league.
With accidents contributing he made a sluggish transition, spending 2022 taking part in for the Sunshine Coast Falcons within the Queensland Cup.
He made his debut within the opening spherical of the 2023 season and he has now developed into probably the greatest finishers within the recreation.
When Leo’s title was first hooked up to Melbourne, Warbrick backed his countryman to achieve the NRL.
The 27-year-old, who received Commonwealth Video games bronze in 2022, ticks related bins to Warbrick as a tall, bodily sturdy athlete.
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“He’s a dynamic man, an ideal athlete, bought nice velocity and ability. He’s bought a great offload and good footwork so he’s a harmful runner,” Warbrick mentioned. “In case you’ve bought these traits, I’m certain you’ll do nicely within the NRL. I can’t evaluate him to anybody however he’s a expertise.”
The Storm ace believed Leo would additionally slot in off the sphere.
“I do know Moses fairly nicely,” Warbrick mentioned. “He’s bought an ideal work ethic, an ideal expertise – personally I feel he’ll excel right here. He’ll slot in and that’s the primary factor.”
Leo will add some depth to Melbourne’s exterior backs following the departure of Justin Olam, Reimis Smith and George Jennings throughout the previous 12 months.
© AAP
