NRL 2024; Melbourne Storm re-sign rising star Sua Fa’alogo on a five-year deal

Melbourne Storm have guaranteed a major pay boost for “proud Melbourne boy” Sua Fa’alogo after re-signing the electric young gun on a monster five-year-deal.

Faalogo, who turns 21 in March, was elevated to the Storm’s top 30 list this season after a single NRL game last season, against the Broncos in Round 27, turned heads.

Having come through the Victorian pathway system, and on development list contract worth just $60,000 this year, Fa’alogo lit up Suncorp Stadium with an electric double haul of tries, including one just moments after coming onto the field in the first half.

He then put in a stunning performance for Samoa against the star-studded Australian line-up in the Pacific Championships at the end of last season to cement himself as a rising star, and a must-have signature for Melbourne.

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.