Melbourne Storm winger Joseph Litidamu has capped off an impressive rise through the Club’s ranks after being named in Fiji Bati’s 23-player squad for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup.
The Toowoomba Valley and Western Clydesdales product has earned international selection following an impressive 2026 season, which has seen him represent Queensland U19s and progress through Storm’s player pathway system.
Starting the year in SG Ball (U19), Litidamu progressed to Jersey Flegg (U21) before earning an opportunity in the Club’s NSW Cup side. The 19-year-old featured in seven NSW Cup games this season, scoring two tries, after making nine appearances for Storm’s SG Ball side and four at Jersey Flegg.
Speaking on Litidamu’s World Cup selection, Storm Academy Coach Matt Duffie commented: "Joey has made some really impressive progress this season and has shown he’s capable of stepping up at every level of our Storm pathways. To go from playing SG Ball at the start of the year, through Jersey Flegg and then into NSW Cup is a great reflection of the work he’s put in and the commitment he’s shown throughout the season.
"His selection for Fiji at the World Cup is a fantastic achievement and something he and his family should be really proud of. It’s a great opportunity for Joey to represent his country on the international stage. We’re really proud of him and I have no doubt he will step up to the next level, as he’s done for us all year."
Fiji open their Rugby League World Cup campaign against the Cook Islands on Sunday 18 October, before playing Australia on Sunday 25 October and New Zealand on Saturday 31 October.
