LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick

Israel Lotaki: The Schoolboy Sensation Aiming to Follow in Greg Inglis' Footsteps

Since their entry into the NRL in 1998, the Melbourne Storm has produced exceptional centres and wingers, including notable players like Greg Inglis, Suliasi Vunivalu, Matt Duffie, and Israel Folau.

Though these players have moved on, the club continues to excel in nurturing talent in the outside backs, as exemplified by recent talents such as Jack Howarth, Sua Fa'alogo, and Will Warbrick.

Now, another promising outside back is emerging in the junior representative ranks, with expectations that he will carry on the legacy of his predecessors.

Contracted until the end of 2027, Israel Lotaki approaches the next season after a remarkable performance in both club and school football, having represented Queensland's Under-17s City side and clinched the NRL Schoolboy Cup.

Currently still in school for another year, Lotaki has been identified as a future star for the Storm and has only been playing the sport for a little over five years.

"Melbourne has a history of developing lots of good players like Greg Inglis, and I want to continue my path down there."

"I went in on a train-and-trial at a camp in Geelong and after that camp they liked me."