LeagueNews.co | Nick Loken
Young Tonumaipea is set to reach a significant milestone in his rugby league career as he prepares to play his 50th game for the Melbourne Storm.
The 30-year-old, who hails from Northern Thunder, began his journey with the club in 2009 as part of the S.G.
Ball Cup.
He then progressed to the NYC team for the 2011 and 2012 seasons, where he was honored with the Melbourne Storm's NYC Player of the Year award.
Tonumaipea made his NRL debut in Round 1 of the 2014 season against the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles, and he scored his first try at AAMI Park in Round 3.
His talent and dedication earned him a spot in the Samoa national team for the 2014 Pacific Rugby League International and the 2017 Rugby League World Cup.
He also had the privilege of representing the Storm in the Auckland Nines tournament from 2014 to 2017, where he served as co-captain alongside Kenny Bromwich.
In 2018, Tonumaipea made the decision to temporarily leave the club to fulfill a two-year mission based on his religious beliefs.
Despite this hiatus, he has remained an integral part of the Storm's history and is now poised to join the ranks of the second Victorian player to reach the 50-game milestone.