Storm Raid All Blacks climb back up the rankings with 7-man star switching code

Moses Leo followed the path of former New Zealand Olympic sevens star Will Worbrick, switching codes and countries to join the NRL from Melbourne Storm.

Leo, who featured at the Paris Olympics where the Kiwis missed out on a medal, has signed a two-year deal with the minor premiership side but will not be linked to the club before the 2026 season due to his NZRU contract.

Storm’s director of football Frank Fornish said the club had been impressed by Leo’s desire to test himself in rugby league.

“We were very impressed with Moses’ qualities and his determination to test his skills in rugby league,” Poni said.

“We won’t see him until November, but signing Moses is about looking to the future.

“It’s important to continue building the list, especially with new teams potentially joining the competition.”

The 27-year-old plays 15-a-side as a winger for New Zealand National Provincial Championship club North Harbour, but the Storm believe he can play at centre or full-back.

Warbrick was part of New Zealand’s silver medal-winning team at the Tokyo Olympics before switching from rugby sevens to rugby league.

Injuries have plagued him, making his transition slowly and he played for the Sunshine Coast Falcons in the Queensland Cup in 2022.

He made his debut in the opening round of the 2023 season and has now developed into one of the best finishers in the field.

When Leo’s name first became known in Melbourne, Warbrick was there to support his countryman’s NRL success.

The 27-year-old, who won bronze at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, is a tall, physically strong athlete with similar qualities to Warbrick.

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“He’s a dynamic guy, a great athlete, has pace and technique. He’s a good off-roader, good footwork, a damage runner,” Warbrick said. “If he has those attributes, I’m sure he can do well in the NRL. You can’t compare him to anyone else, but he’s talented.”

Storm’s ace believes Leo will be a good fit off the pitch too.

“I know Moses very well,” Warbrick said. “He’s got a great work ethic and great talent. I personally think he’ll excel here. He’ll adapt and that’s the most important thing.”

Leo will add depth to Melbourne’s outside back line following the departures of Justin Olam, Ramis Smith and George Jennings in the last 12 months.

© AAP