Purple Reign

19/09/2026

Moses Leo has developed quickly. At the back end of 2026 he was a playing dangerous football on the wing. There was a sense amongst fans that Moses Leo could attract interest from elsewhere given his position within the Melbourne Storm system.

Isaako and Xavier Coates are established wingers ahead of him on the pecking order. Moses has to be patient for his opportunity. His development at centre is still a work in progress, particularly when it comes to defensive reads, positioning and understanding team defensive structures. In saying that his body shape, his acceleration and his power game suit a strike centre to a T.

Now, with Leo locked in at Melbourne through 2029, the next chapter becomes even more intriguing.

What does the future hold for Moses Leo? What happens in 2027?

Where do you see him fitting into the Storm’s long-term plans, and what do you think the club is ultimately developing him to become?

18/09/2026

Sualauvi Fa’alogo’s electric ability makes him one of rugby league’s most exciting young players, but it is his infectious personality and connection to his Samoan heritage that truly define him.

“He’s contagious. He’s always happy and positive. Someone like him can change the culture of a team.”

Born in Samoa, Sua carries enormous pride in his family, village and country every time he steps onto the field. Representing Toa Samoa has already become one of the greatest honours of his young career.

“That’s probably the highlight of my career, getting to put that blue jersey on,” Fa’alogo said.

“It means a lot, not just for the family but for the country as well. To represent Samoa, where you’re from and where you were born, your village and your parents - it means a lot to me.”

The Si'umu village rugby coach reflected on the journey that has taken him from Samoa to Melbourne Storm and the NRL. He spoke proudly about his growth, natural ability and the qualities that have allowed him to succeed at the highest level.

“Continue working hard in your career, and may you succeed in everything you pursue. Always put God first and remember your family and your village. We will continue to pray for you and support you throughout your journey.”

With the Rugby League World Cup approaching, Sua has his sights set on once again representing his people on the international stage.

“I’ve always wanted to put that blue jersey on to represent where I’m from, my parents and Samoa,” he said.

“The amount of respect you get from your people, we saw it when we returned home. There was so much respect from our people.”

For Sua, the blue jersey represents far more than rugby league. It represents his family, his village, his birthplace and every person back home proudly following his journey.

Already a Melbourne Storm Player of the Year and one of the NRL’s brightest young stars, another opportunity to represent Samoa would add an even more meaningful chapter to Sua's remarkable story.

The speed and footwork might capture everyone’s attention, but it is his faith, family and pride in Samoa that continue to drive him.

18/09/2026

18/09/2026

💜 FAREWELL SERIES | THANK YOU MARION SEVE 💜

Marion Seve's football journey isn’t measured in games and tries. It is measured by everything he had to overcome just to get onto the field. Maz’s journey started in Ipswich. He came through Ipswich Brothers and representative pathways before he found his way to Melbourne in 2018. The Storm system would become home for Marion Seve for the next eight years.

His NRL debut came in 2019, but by then Maz had already faced challenges that had nothing to do with football. As a teenager, he battled cancer and fought his way back to the game he loved. Then came the injuries.

Across his Storm career, his body repeatedly put the brakes on a player who had the toughness and resilience to keep pushing forward. Long term injuries became an unfortunate part of his story. An ACL, an ear laceration, a major ankle injury then a serious eye injury in 2025 forced Maz to wear protective goggles when he returned to the NRL. Lastly back to back Tricep tears in 2026 ultimately ended his career.

Perhaps the hardest part is that, despite everything he did to keep himself on the field, his body simply never consistently handled the demands of professional rugby league. And yet, he kept coming back. 52 NRL games. 13 tries. Eight seasons in purple. Those numbers just don’t tell the full story.

Maz leaves Melbourne knowing he squeezed everything he could out of a career that constantly asked him to overcome another obstacle. He became a respected clubman, a teammate who kept working, and someone who never stopped trying to get back to the field.

The Storm jersey may have eventually become too much for his body to carry, but it will always be part of his story. Thank you, Maz.

For the battles nobody saw.
For the setbacks you fought through.
For the games you gave us.
And for never giving up.

Enjoy whatever comes next, Maz. You’ve earned it.

FOREVER #193
ALL THE BEST 💜⚡️

Melbourne Storm

17/09/2026

🏉 GUESS THE TRY — THE REVEAL!

For those who played along last night…

If you guessed:

⚡ Xavier Coates
⚔️ Up against Dallin Watene-Zelezniak
📅 Round 2, 2024

You were absolutely correct! ✅

With Melbourne trailing in the dying seconds, Coates launched himself into the air and somehow planted the ball inside the corner post to sn**ch an unforgettable 30–26 victory over the New Zealand Warriors.

It was an unbelievable piece of athleticism and it went on to be crowned the 2024 Dally M Try of the Year. 🏆

17/09/2026

💜 A BIT OF THURSDAY NIGHT FUN! ⚡

Can you guess the try from the comic strip? 👀

We want:

🏉 Both players involved
📅 The round it happened
📅 The Year

Think you know it? Drop your answers in the comments! 👇

Let’s go, Storm fans! ⛈️

17/09/2026

HOMETOWN TALENT HUGO PEEL EXTENDS UNTIL 2029 ⚡️

Melbourne Storm has continued investing in Victorian talent, securing Hugo Peel until the end of the 2029 season.

The 21-year-old fullback and winger became only the seventh Victorian-produced player to represent the Storm when he made his NRL debut against the Dolphins in Round 9.

Peel began the season strongly in the NSW Cup, scoring six tries from six appearances before earning his opportunity in first grade. Despite suffering a knee injury midway through the year, he worked his way back into the NRL squad and finished his debut campaign with three appearances.

His persistence was rewarded in Round 27 when he scored his first NRL try during Melbourne’s victory over the Sharks.

Fast, versatile and capable of playing across the backline, Peel represents another success story from the club’s developing Victorian pathway system.

There is still plenty of development ahead, but Storm clearly believes the local product has the potential to become an important part of its future.

How highly do you rate Hugo Peel’s potential?

17/09/2026

MOSES LEO LOCKED IN UNTIL 2029 ⚡️

Melbourne Storm has secured one of its most exciting emerging outside backs, with Moses Leo signing a two-year extension that will keep him in purple until the end of 2029.

The former All Blacks Sevens representative arrived in Melbourne in 2025 with only limited rugby league experience. After making two appearances during his first season, Leo enjoyed a genuine breakout campaign in 2026.

Across 17 NRL appearances, the powerful winger crossed for 11 tries, recorded 16 line breaks and produced an impressive 66 tackle breaks.

Switching codes is never simple, but Leo’s speed, strength and willingness to learn have allowed him to develop rapidly within the Storm system. With several changes coming to Melbourne’s outside backs in 2027, he now has an opportunity to establish himself as a regular member of Craig Bellamy’s side.

At just the beginning of his rugby league journey, Leo’s best football may still be ahead of him.

Storm fans, how excited are you to see what Moses can produce over the next three seasons?

17/09/2026

JACK HETHERINGTON STAYING IN PURPLE ⚡️

Experienced forward Jack Hetherington has extended his time with Melbourne Storm, signing a new one-year contract for the 2027 season.

Hetherington arrived at AAMI Park ahead of the 2026 campaign following previous stints with the Panthers, Warriors, Bulldogs and Knights.

Capable of playing at prop or in the second row, the 30-year-old added experience, toughness and depth to Melbourne’s forward pack. He made nine NRL appearances and another seven in the NSW Cup during his first season with the club.

Hetherington also celebrated a significant personal milestone in Round 13 when he played his 100th NRL match.

While his opportunities were limited at times, his value extends beyond the number of games he played. Melbourne has lost considerable experience from its forward pack, making the retention of a senior player who trains hard, competes physically and leads through his actions particularly important.

With several young forwards continuing their development, Hetherington can provide both competition for positions and valuable guidance around the squad.

Are you happy to see Jack staying in Melbourne for another season?

17/09/2026

TRENT TOELAU EXTENDS HIS STORM RETURN ⚡️

Trent Toelau will remain in Melbourne Storm colours after signing a new one-year contract for the 2027 season.

The Victorian product returned to the club ahead of 2026 and quickly demonstrated the value of having a genuine utility within the squad.

After making his Storm debut in Round 9, Toelau featured in 11 NRL matches and provided important coverage at ho**er, five-eighth and halfback. He also contributed strongly to Melbourne’s NSW Cup side.

Toelau originally developed through the Storm pathways, twice winning the club’s Under-20 Player of the Year award before joining Penrith. He made his NRL debut with the Panthers in 2024 and represented the Māori All Stars earlier this year.

His versatility, work ethic and understanding of multiple positions make him an extremely useful member of Melbourne’s squad, particularly across a long season in which injuries and representative duties can quickly test a team’s depth.

It has been great seeing Trent back in purple, and now his Storm journey will continue for at least another season.

How important could Toelau’s versatility be in 2027?