Suliasi Vunivalu is the Club’s greatest try scorer in a single season but the high-flying winger has two feet firmly on the ground.
Vunivalu crossed the line for the 22nd time this season when he pounced on a loose ball in the 58th minute of last week’s win over the Sharks.
That try saw him break Israel Folau’s record for most tries by a Storm player in one season.
It also ensured Vunivalu finished season as the NRL’s leading try scorer, two clear of Canberra’s Jordan Rapana.
Add to this the fact he is a 20-year-old rookie and the magnitude of his achievements reach a whole new level.
Make #MelbourneProud this Saturday night. Be at AAMI Park for the Qualifying Final!
He may be only 18 games into his NRL career but he appears to take it in his stride like a seasoned pro.
“Heading into the game I wasn’t thinking about that (the record), I was just thinking about doing my job for the team,” Vunivalu said.
“But when I saw Cooper about to kick the ball I said ‘yeh, I am going to get this’ and it all just sunk in. It was pretty special and I was pretty happy for the boys as well.
Now Vunivalu is preparing for another first, his maiden finals series in a purple jersey.
With another crowd of 20,000 plus expected at AAMI Park, the youngster is once against set to fly high on the big stage.
“It is very exciting, my first year, first final,” Vunivalu said.
“I’ve been talking about it with Marika, we are both pumped up and especially the team.
“Last week was massive, even in the dressing room before we came out it was large. To get a crowd like that this Saturday will mean a lot for the players.”
