Storm re-sign try-scoring machines

STAFF WRITERS | August 31, 2017 - 10:06am

Try-scoring machines Suliasi Vunivalu and Josh Addo-Carr will continue to excite Storms fans for the future, with the pair today re-signing with Storm on long-term deals.

Vunivalu will remain in Melbourne until at least the end of 2020 while Addo-Carr will play in purple until at least the end of the 2021 season.

Addo-Carr and Vunivalu have scored 41 tries between them this season, including a hat-trick each in last week’s win against the Rabbitohs, making them the most dynamic wing pairing in the NRL.

Today’s announcement adds to the growing list of young talent who have re-signed with the Club this year; Brandon Smith, Joe Stimson, Jahrome Hughes, Brodie Croft, Christian Welch and Nelson Asofa-Solomona – who have decided to continue to call Storm and Melbourne home.

Vunivalu has set the NRL alight since bursting onto the scene 18 months ago.

After finishing his debut season as the NRL’s leading try scorer, the 21-year-old has not missed a beat in his second year, crossing the line 22 times in 2017 to sit equal first on the competition’s try scoring tally. In Round 22 he broke the record for tries scored in a player’s first two NRL seasons.

The Fijian Flyer has a freakish aerial ability and lightning quick pace that often leaves Storm fans on the edge of their seats.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 25: Josh Addo-Carr of the Melbourne Storm runs with the ball during the round eight NRL match between the Melbourne Storm and the New Zealand Warriors at AAMI Park on April 25, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images)

Fellow excitement machine Addo-Carr has proved to be one of the recruits of the 2017 season.

Since joining Storm from Wests Tigers in the off-season, Addo-Carr has scored 19 tries in 23 games and ranks second in the NRL for line breaks with 19 for the season.

Nicknamed ‘The Foxx’, after his great grandfather, the 22-year-old has quickly become a fan favourite with his electrifying pace down Melbourne’s left edge a must-see for the purple faithful.

To have both Addo-Carr and Vunivalu re-commit to the Club on long-term deals is further reason for Storm fans to be excited for what the future holds at this Club.

“Suli and Josh are important to the future of the Melbourne Storm so to have them re-signed for three and four years respectively is fantastic for our Club,” Storm Football Director Frank Ponissi said.

“There is hardly a better sight in rugby league than seeing the two of them in full flight at AAMI Park. We are delighted our members and fans can continue to see Josh and Suli showcase their skills.

“It is exciting to have our core group of youngsters commit to remain in Melbourne.

“The challenge now for our young players is to ensure they put in the hard work to get the most out of their ability and help this Club achieve a sustained period of success.”