The Melbourne Storm has also cast an important eye to the future, securing the signatures of exciting youngsters Jahrome Hughes and Brandon Smith as well as standout Queensland Intrust Super Cup half Ryley Jacks.
Smith and Hughes come to Melbourne as highly touted youngsters from the North Queensland Cowboys.
Smith, a 20-year-old Junior Kiwi, has signed a three-year deal with Storm after an impressive season for the Cowboys’ NYC side. As well as guiding them to a Preliminary final berth, he was also named at Hooker in the NYC Team of the Year.
Hughes, 21, made his NRL debut for the Gold Coast Titans in 2013 and played one game for the Cowboys in Round 12 this season.
The utility back played most of this year with the Townsville Blackhawks in the Queensland Intrust Super Cup and was named at fullback for representative side Queensland Residents. He joins Melbourne until at least the end of 2018.
Jacks has signed a one-year deal with Storm after a stellar season for feeder side Sunshine Coast Falcons.
The 24-year-old halfback/five-eighth ranked highly in the votes for Queensland Intrust Super Cup Player of the Year and is the second Falcons player to join Storm next season after Erevonu Kamikamica.
Frank Ponissi said signing the young trio was another important step forward for the Club.
“We are delighted to have Jahrome, Brandon and Ryley come down to Melbourne,” Ponissi said.
“Jahrome and Brandon are very talented and exciting young players that we look forward to seeing develop at Melbourne Storm and become a big part of our Club’s future.”
“Ryley has been outstanding for the Falcons and impressed our recruiting staff during this season. He is a welcomed addition to our halves and we look forward to seeing him thrive in an NRL system.”
