LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
Young Tonumaipea had a successful season with the Melbourne Storm in 2023, playing 24 games across both the NRL and HostPlus Cup.
After starting the season with two games in the centre position, Tonumaipea returned to the Sunshine Coast Falcons, where his impressive form in 15 games caught the attention of the Storm coaching staff.
As a result, he was selected for seven consecutive appearances with the Storm.
Throughout the season, Tonumaipea showcased his skills by scoring three tries, including one in his milestone 50th game for the Storm against the Raiders in Round 24.
He proved to be a dangerous ball runner, with 24 tackle breaks and five line breaks, causing problems for opposing defensive lines.
In the HostPlus Cup, Tonumaipea made an immediate impact, scoring four tries in his first four games.
He continued to contribute to the team's success with four try assists and five line breaks for the remainder of the season.
Tonumaipea's impressive performances did not go unnoticed, as he was selected for the Samoan squad for the Pacific Championships, a fitting end to a successful season for the talented player.
Overall, Tonumaipea's return to the Storm squad in 2023 proved to be a fruitful one, with his contributions on the field earning him a place in both the NRL and HostPlus Cup games, as well as international recognition with the Samoan squad.