Fa’alogo crowned Storm Player of the Year

Author: melbournestorm.com.au
Timestamp: Mon 7 Sep 2026, 01:44 AM

Melbourne Storm fullback Sua Fa’alogo has capped off a breakout 2026 season by being crowned the recipient of the Cameron Smith Player of the Year Award at the Club’s prestigious Player of the Year Awards on Sunday.

Presented by RedZed at Crown Palladium in Melbourne, the awards celebrated the outstanding achievements and contributions of Storm’s players across the NRL, NSW Cup and male and female pathways programs throughout the 2026 season.

Fa’alogo was recognised for an extraordinary campaign in the purple jersey, playing all 24 games across the season and scoring a career-high 18 tries.

The Victorian product’s standout season also saw him claim the Most Improved Player Award, Members Player of the Year and Best Try Award for his spectacular effort against the Dolphins in Round 9.

Fa’alogo polled 35 votes to claim the Cameron Smith Player of the Year Award, finishing ahead of Stefano Utoikamanu (31 votes), Harry Grant (18 votes) and Tyran Wishart (12 votes).

Utoikamanu was recognised as Storm’s Best Forward of the Year following a powerful campaign, playing all 24 games and recording three tries, 3,152 running metres, 689 tackles and 110 tackle breaks.

Tyran Wishart was named Best Back of the Year after another outstanding season in purple. The utility finished his Storm career with 18 appearances and six tries in 2026, reaching the 100-game milestone in Round 27. A valuable member of Craig Bellamy’s side, Wishart showcased his versatility throughout the season, featuring at halfback, five-eighth, centre and hooker.

Eli Katoa was honoured with the Michael Moore Trophy for Club Person of the Year, recognising his outstanding leadership and mentorship throughout the 2026 season.

Despite being unable to take the field this season, Katoa continued to play a crucial role within the Club’s Leadership Group, providing guidance and mentorship to many of Storm’s emerging players, including first-year rookie Cooper Clarke.

Clarke was named the Billy Slater Rookie of the Year following an impressive first season in the NRL. The 2025 SG Ball Player of the Year played all 24 games in his debut campaign, recording two tries, 56 tackle breaks and 988 post-contact metres.

The Club also celebrated the continued development of its Player Pathway programs, with Storm’s inaugural female pathway teams recognised following their debut season in purple.

Halo Titimaea was named the Lisa Fiaola U17s Player of the Year, while Eboni Heurea was recognised as the Tarsha Gale U19s Player of the Year.

In the men’s pathways, Ofa’Benjavani Nau was awarded the Young Tonumaipea Harold Matthews U17s Player of the Year, while rookie halfback Hayden Watson collected the SG Ball U19s Player of the Year.

Lucas Hinchey was named the Darren Bell Jersey Flegg U21s Player of the Year, while brother Angus Hinchey was recognised as the Cooper Cronk NSW Cup Player of the Year following the Club’s first season fielding a dedicated reserve-grade team.

Hayden Watson was rewarded for his rapid rise through Storm’s pathways, being named Melbourne Storm Academy Player of the Year after progressing through the Club’s ranks and making his NRL debut in Round 22.

The evening also marked the conclusion of Storm careers for ten players, with Keagan Russell-Smith, Lazarus Vaalepu, Davvy Moale, Nick Meaney, Tyran Wishart, Marion Seve, Joe Chan, Tui Kamikamica, Shawn Blore and Will Warbrick all departing the Club following the 2026 season.

Melbourne Storm thanked all ten players for their dedication and contribution to the Club and wished them every success for the next chapters.

2026 Player of the Year Award Winners:

Young Tonumaipea Harold Matthews U17s Player of the Year: Ofa'Benjavani Nau

Greg Brentnall SG Ball U19s Player of the Year: Hayden Watson

Lisa Fiaola U17s Player of the Year: Halo Titimaea

Tarsha Gale U19s Player of the Year: Eboni Heurea

Darren Bell Jersey Flegg U21s Player of the Year presented by CitiPower: Lucas Hinchey

Melbourne Storm Academy Player of the Year: Hayden Watson

Best Try Award presented by TRADIE: Sua Fa’alogo

Most Improved Player Award: Sua Fa’alogo

Billy Slater Rookie of the Year: Cooper Clarke

Cooper Cronk NSW Cup Player of the Year: Angus Hinchey