LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
The Melbourne Storm is preparing for a new chapter at fullback for the upcoming 2026 season.
Emerging talent Sua Fa'alogo is set to take on the No.1 jersey, following Ryan Papenhuyzen's decision to leave the NRL.
Fa'alogo, regarded internally as one of the Storm's most promising local talents, has had limited chances at fullback due to Papenhuyzen's fitness.
This situation is about to change, as Storm director of football Frank Ponissi confirmed that Fa'alogo now has the opportunity to establish himself in the role.
"There's no doubt that he'll get first crack, and then it's up to Sua to take it," Ponissi stated in an interview with news.com.au.
Ponissi commented on how these developments have affected Fa'alogo's mindset as preseason approaches.
"You can tell that he's come back and knows that with 'Paps' not here, he's a genuine chance to be the fullback," he added.