Melbourne Storm has confirmed the re-signing of five players following the conclusion of the 2026 season.
Moses Leo, Hugo Peel, Stanley Huen, Trent Toelau and Jack Hetherington have all committed their futures to Storm.
Already contracted for the 2027 season, Leo has extended his stay in Melbourne for a further two years, committing to the Club until the end of 2029.
The former All Blacks 7s representative joined Storm in 2025, making two appearances in his debut rugby league season. The winger enjoyed a breakout 2026 campaign, cementing his place in Craig Bellamy’s side and finishing the season with 17 NRL appearances, 11 tries, 16 line breaks and 66 tackle breaks.
“Moses has shown impressive growth since making the switch to rugby league. Changing codes is never easy, but he’s embraced the challenge and worked hard to develop his game,” Director of Football Frank Ponissi said.
Victorian product Hugo Peel has extended his contract until the end of 2029 following his debut NRL season.
The fullback/winger became just the seventh Victorian to represent Storm in the NRL when he made his first-grade debut against the Dolphins in Round 9. Peel enjoyed an impressive start to 2026, scoring six tries in six games for Storm’s NSW Cup team before earning his NRL opportunity.
The 21-year-old finished his first season in purple with three NRL appearances, including his debut first-grade try in the Round 27 win over the Sharks.
“Hugo has made great progress this season and we’re delighted to have him signed up for the next three years. He’s a local kid who has worked hard throughout the last 12 months, overcoming a knee injury mid-season to work his way back into our first-grade squad and contribute strongly,” Ponissi said.
Having made his NRL debut in 2026, Storm Player #250 Huen has committed to the Club for at least the next two seasons.
The 21-year-old made his NRL debut against the Wests Tigers in Round 10 and finished his 2026 campaign with four first-grade appearances.
A versatile forward who can also play five-eighth, Huen has represented Storm in NSW Cup, Jersey Flegg and SG Ball, playing a key role in the Club’s 2025 Jersey Flegg Premiership-winning team.
“We’ve been pleased with Stan’s development since joining the Club. He’s worked hard over the last few years, culminating in his progression through our pathway ranks and his NRL debut this year. We’re delighted to have his future secured until 2028,” Ponissi said.
Having re-joined the Club ahead of the 2026 season, Victorian product Toelau has signed a new one-year contract for 2027.
The versatile playmaker made his Storm debut in Round 9, making 11 NRL appearances in 2026 while playing a key role covering hooker, five-eighth and halfback. He also played an important role for Storm at NSW Cup.
The former Panther was a standout in Storm’s Player Pathways, twice winning the Club’s U20 Player of the Year award before moving to Penrith, where he made his NRL debut in 2024. Toelau also represented the Māori All Stars in February 2026.
“Having Trent back in Storm colours this season has been great to see. He’s a hard-working player who adds great value to our squad with his versatility across several key positions,” Ponissi said.
Hetherington arrived at AAMI Park earlier this year following stints with the Knights, Bulldogs, Warriors and Panthers.
The Canberra-born forward, who can play at prop or second-row, has added experience to Storm’s forward stocks, making nine NRL appearances and seven NSW Cup appearances in 2026.
The 30-year-old played his 100th NRL game in Round 13 and has signed a new one-year contract for the 2027 season.
“Jack has been a valued and hard-working member of our squad in 2026, adding good experience and plenty of character to our group. He’s a senior player who leads with his actions, both on and off the field, and we’re pleased to extend his stay in Melbourne,” Ponissi said.
