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Melbourne Storm's telling move after Samoa gun's freakish debut against Kangaroos

The Samoan star's contract is set to double after his stellar Test debut.

The Storm are set to double the contract of rookie fullback Sualauvi Faalogo after an impressive Test debut against the Kangaroos on Saturday night.
The Storm are set to double the contract of rookie fullback Sualauvi Faalogo after an impressive Test debut against the Kangaroos on Saturday night.

Following the stellar debut of rookie fullback Sualauvi Faalogo the Storm are set to double his contract before next season. The young Samoan made his Test debut against Australia and did not look out of place, racking up 63 metres from 14 carries, producing 11 tackle busts, an offload and a linebreak.

Australia ran out comfortable 38-12 victors in the Pacific Championships opener but it was Faalogo's debut that caught the attention. The 20-year-old made his NRL debut against the Broncos in Round 27, scoring twice and looks to have a bright future ahead of him.

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He is currently on a development list contract and earns $60,000 a year, but that’s set to at least double in 2024 as the Storm look to upgrade him into the side's top 30. Storm's general manager Frank Ponissi told Fox Sports the young gun is locked down to the club, with an option to extend until 2025 in his contract.

“We plan for him to be in our top 30 (next year). He is a star, but an even better young man,” Ponissi said. Prior to his debut Samoa coach Ben Gardiner said Faalogo has maturity beyond his years.

Storm general manager Frank Ponissi said the club sees Faalogo in their top 30 for next year, meaning his wage will be at least doubled. Image: Getty
Storm general manager Frank Ponissi said the club sees Faalogo in their top 30 for next year, meaning his wage will be at least doubled. Image: Getty

“He’s not the young guy who stands back and doesn’t say anything," Ponissi said. "He’s the guy who is prepared to talk when needed to talk and do his job when he is needed to do his job. That’s the type of commitment we’ve had amongst the group all week."

“I said to the guys that no one sits lower than anyone else – we are all equal. If you are in the Test side you need to step up and Sua is one of those guys that has really done that for us. The energy he brings is unbelievable.”

Parker questions his future at Melbourne

NRL great turned commentator Corey Parker has questioned how the youngster will be able to break into the team at the Storm. Ryan Papenhuyzen, Xavier Coates, Will Warbrick, Nick Meaney, Reimis Smith and Dean Ieremia all likely sit ahead of the Samoan youngster in the pecking order, making it a hard task to crack the side.

“Let’s just put this into perspective, he’s played one NRL game against a depleted Broncos side at Suncorp Stadium, he came off the bench and absolutely changed the game and lit the stadium up,” Parker said. “He’s now gone on to the big stage against the greatest players that Australia can pick and he’s absolutely held his own.

"This guy here has certainly announced himself, the question is where does he play for Melbourne? He’s an unbelievable talent and we’ve seen what he can do but he’s behind so many good players.”

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