LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
Young Tonumaipea's journey in rugby league has been nothing short of remarkable.
From initially being "done with footy and done with the Melbourne Storm," he has now etched his name into the record books forever.
Last Sunday, Tonumaipea became the first Victorian to reach the milestone of 50 games for the Storm in the club's 25-year history.
This achievement seemed unlikely when he left the club in 2018 with only 43 games under his belt.
Tonumaipea embarked on a two-year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Germany, putting his rugby league career on hold.
During this time, he also had stints with the Gold Coast Titans and played Super Rugby for the Melbourne Rebels.
However, fate brought him back to the Storm midway through last year, and he seized the opportunity with both hands.
Tonumaipea's determination and hard work paid off as he reached the milestone of 50 games, a feat that took him nine long years since his debut alongside rugby league legends Cameron Smith, Billy Slater, and Cooper Cronk.
Tonumaipea's story is a testament to resilience and the power of never giving up on one's dreams.
He has proven that with dedication and perseverance, even the most unlikely of comebacks are possible.
The Storm can now celebrate not only the success of their team but also the triumph of a homegrown talent who has overcome numerous obstacles to reach this significant milestone.
As Tonumaipea continues to contribute to the Storm's success, there is no doubt that more achievements and records await him in the future.
The young centre has proven that he is a force to be reckoned with and has solidified his place in the Storm's history.
With his talent and determination, the sky is the limit for Young Tonumaipea.