Gold Coast back Young Tonumaipea is returning to Melbourne to play Super Rugby with the Rebels rather than the Storm where he started his NRL career.
Making his debut in 2014, Tonumaipea played five seasons with the Storm before leaving midway through the 2018 campaign to follow his faith and undertake a Mormon mission.
He then joined the Titans for 2020, making 10 appearances, but decided to return to his roots, signing a two-year deal with the Rebels.
He said he was excited to be back in Melbourne, joining his former Storm teammate Marika Koroibete at the Rebels, and looked forward to a new challenge in rugby union.
“Melbourne is home for me, so I can’t wait to be back home with my family and friends, in the city I love, back at my old stomping grounds,” said Tonumaipea.
“When I came back to the NRL after being away, I was determined to prove I could still play at the highest level and now having fulfilled that goal, I’m driven to succeed at this new challenge.
“I’m also pumped to be rubbing shoulders with Marika (Koroibete) again and I also know a few of the other boys like Hodgey (Reece Hodge) and Pone (Fa’amausili) as well.”
Pete
Guest
League internationally has fallen off the face of the earth dear Watson...typical of your bigotry comments to opposing codes Alias Max Power
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Northern Panthers?
Stone
Roar Rookie
Great kid from a great family . Never driven by money. Back home to his parents even though he had offers from other clubs. Played both codes and All as a youngster and I know he will do well. I wish I got to play at both NRL and Rugby at a higher level than just pressing the keyboard. Good luck Young.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Even better. I don't think the Rebels have a huge need for a fullback with DHP and Hodge but if he can cover 13, wing and full back he'll be a good value option.
Walter Black
Guest
He was just starting to come good at the Storm before he went off on his Mission. The timing wasn't great and another couple of years under Bellamy could have seen his career blossom. Still, good luck to the lad.
Nick Maguire
Roar Rookie
TWAS, from memory & @Joe may have more knowledge but I think he may have played a bit of fullback as injury cover also. I think he'll be solid.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
That was my understanding. Rugby junior in WA but came to Sydney by 18 on an NRL deal.
jameswm
Roar Guru
Shame? He’s still playing.
Admiral Ackbar
Guest
Shame, he's a good player.
DP Schaefer
Roar Rookie
Leaves Titans looking for a centre.. they didn't keep Copley. Any takers? Lafai is looking...
Worlds Biggest
Guest
Good solid pick up for the Rebels, very tough to break into the Storm lineup where he was a fringe player, may have played in a Prelim Final before his sabbatical. He looked good at the Titans and can play a few positions.
robbo999
Roar Rookie
TWAS - I thought he grew up playing rugby only switching to the Panthers in late teens. I expect he will be the right winger and should fit in OK
MO
Guest
I though Peni had played a bit of union with junior Force before going to league. Could be wrong.
nroko
Roar Rookie
Good signing. He should be able to play anywhere between 12-15.
loosehead
Guest
Again, this is important because? Maybe you equate you can only be a success if you have a stellar career in the NRL. OK the kid never made it in the NRL, so he has decided to return to Melbourne to be with family and friends and play rugby and you see this as some sort of failure.
max power
Guest
well we wont see him either. super rugby for melbourne is like falling off the face of the earth
Markus
Roar Rookie
Koroibete has one wing locked in but the other is still up for grabs, even before Kellaway's departure.
loosehead
Guest
And its important to be heard of because?
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
He's a decent depth signing I'd imagine. He'll be immediately at Super Rugby 23 S&C level due to being in a pro NRL system. And being an outside back that's been NRL standard you expect he'll be immediately adequate as a winger at a minimum. May surprise and be as good as Chance Peni was at the Force.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
I doubt he's on a lot at the Rebels, but if he has family down here and wants to live here then a small contract may be worth it to him.