Monday night’s season opener will hold added significance for the player who has made a habit of keeping Storm fans on the edge of their seats.
After six seasons Marika Koroibete will play his 50th NRL game against the Dragons, a much-deserved milestone who has spent the best part of 18 months electrifying AAMI Park.
The Fijian international has played 33 of those 50 games with Storm since crossing over from Wests Tigers in 2014.
He made his Storm debut in Round 18 of that season and proved an instant success, scoring four tries in as many games for Melbourne.
Be there in Round 1 on Monday 7 March at AAMI Park.
Koroibete has now not only become a constant on Storm’s left edge but has built up one of the game’s best highlight reels going around.
His power-running and clinical finishing near the touchline have seen him become a fan favourite amongst the purple faithful.
That warm feeling is certainly mutual between both player and club.
“I love the club, the people around it and I learn a lot from the coaches and senior players,” Koroibete told Storm TV.
“(50 games) is a big achievement for me, coming this far. I can’t wait to get out there and rip in with the boys.
“This is a very professional club, everyone who comes to this club you know where you are going to stand. I fit in well to that culture and I know it has helped my footy.”
With another pre-season under his belt, the 23-year-old winger is looking to take the next step in his development in 2016.
“Last year was the best footy of my life, learning a lot and I can’t wait to get out there for the Club (this year),” Koroibete said.
“It has been a long pre-season, all the boys are keen for Round 1 and are ready to go.”
Storm take on the Dragons at 7pm this Monday night at AAMI Park.
