The Melbourne Storm have moved to address a looming forward shortage by securing the signature of prop Davvy Moale for the 2026 NRL season, in a deal that will see the player represent three different clubs in three consecutive years.
Storm Bolster Pack After Key Losses
Melbourne's engine room was facing a significant depletion for the 2026 campaign following the departure of powerhouse Nelson Asofa-Solomona and the devastating season-ending loss of Eli Katoa due to a serious brain injury. The acquisition of Moale, following that of Jack Hetherington, provides vital reinforcement to the Storm's forward rotation as the club aims to rebound from the heartbreak of two successive grand final defeats.
A Complex Contract Pathway
In a unique contractual twist, Moale's immediate future has taken an unexpected turn. The Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles had already signed the prop for the 2027 season. While South Sydney were open to an early release when Manly initially made their move, an immediate transfer to the northern beaches could not be finalised.
This left the Sea Eagles, who themselves are lacking middle-forward muscle after the exits of Jazz Tevaga, Tof Sipley, Josh Aloiai, and Matt Lodge, missing out on Moale's services for now. Instead, the Rabbitohs have granted Moale an early release to join the Storm next year.
Joining a Growing Trend
Moale's situation mirrors that of former Storm playmaker Jonah Pezet, who is slated to join Parramatta in 2026 before moving to Brisbane the season after. Since his NRL debut for South Sydney in 2021, Moale has accumulated 70 first-grade appearances. He is scheduled to commence pre-season training with his new Melbourne teammates in January 2026.
Storm football general manager Frank Ponissi expressed his satisfaction with the new recruit. "We're really pleased to be bringing Davvy into our ranks for 2026," Ponissi said. "He is a powerful forward who will complement our current group of forwards well. Davvy's first-grade experience will be important to add after having a number of young forwards promoted from our pathways system."
