Melbourne Storm have bolstered their forward pack for 2027 by securing second-rower Kelma Tuilagi from Parramatta Eels on a one-year contract.
This signing marks a return for Tuilagi, who developed in the Victorian league and was once part of Melbourne's NRL roster before carving out his professional career elsewhere.
Though Tuilagi was on the Storm's 2020 premiership-winning team, he did not make his NRL debut with the club, instead getting his first chance at the Wests Tigers the next year.
Since then, the robust forward has played for the Tigers, Manly, and Parramatta, gaining valuable first-grade experience while representing Samoa at the international level.
At 27 years old, Tuilagi returns to Melbourne with significantly more experience than the young player who left, adding a reliable option on the edge for the Storm.
His arrival is timely for Melbourne as the team gears up for notable shifts in its forward pack heading into 2027.
Shawn Blore plans to leave for Brisbane next season, while Eliesa Katoa's ongoing injuries emphasize the need for strong depth in the second row.
Tuilagi will have the chance to secure a regular spot in Craig Bellamy's lineup, as his size and athleticism provide a unique element in the pack.
He has a solid connection with Victoria, having played for the Casey Warriors and the Victorian Thunderbolts before joining the Storm.
For Melbourne, the one-year deal is a low-risk proposition for an NRL veteran already familiar with the club and its culture.
Now, Tuilagi can revisit where his NRL career began and look to fulfill some unfinished goals while donning a Storm jersey once again.