LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
Melbourne Storm's promising talent, Hugo Peel, is making strides towards an NRL debut in 2026, as the club sees him as a viable long-term option for the fullback position.
Peel has established himself as one of the most exciting prospects in the Storm's development ranks after delivering a standout performance in last season's under-21 grand final, where he scored twice against Penrith. This achievement has solidified his reputation as an emerging talent under Craig Bellamy's guidance.
The young Victorian took a significant leap late last year by training with the renowned European rugby club Leinster, thanks to Melbourne's partnership with them. This experience has reportedly fast-tracked his development, both in terms of skills and personal growth.
With Ryan Papenhuyzen stepping back from the game last season, opportunities for fresh talent have arisen, and Sua Fa'alogo is currently seen as the main contender for the fullback role in 2026. Nevertheless, Peel remains a strong candidate for the No.1 position due to his swift advancement through the junior levels.
During his immersive two-week training stint in Leinster's academy and first-grade setup, Peel and teammate Silagi Tuimalatu-Brown trained alongside elite rugby professionals, providing them with valuable insights into diverse systems and preparation methodologies.
One highlight for Peel was a personal meeting with Irish rugby star Josh van der Flier, the 2022 World Rugby Player of the Year, who shared invaluable advice about life as a professional athlete.
Despite downplaying his rugby credentials, Peel showcased his leadership skills by captaining St Kevin's College to a distinguished schoolboy premiership in 2023 before transitioning to rugby league. He has also had experience in union, AFL, and touch football during his upbringing in Melbourne's eastern suburbs.
Melbourne discovered Peel at just 17 through touch football and integrated him into their pathways system, paving the way for his early competitive outings in the SG Ball.