As he approaches the last 12 months of his contract, the Melbourne Storm front-rower, who enjoyed a breakthrough season in 2024, has given some insight into his future.
The 25-year-old had an incredible year in 2024, playing in the 2024 NRL Grand Final against the Penrith Panthers and receiving his first international call-up, just after being selected in the Samoa team against England.
Vaalepu told Zero Tackle that he hopes to “hopefully stay” in Melbourne colors past the end of the upcoming season and that he is able to communicate and negotiate with rival teams for 2026.
“I love living in Melbourne and playing at Melbourne,” the player in the front row stated.
“I’ll do everything in my power to secure an extension there, so I hope to stay.” Being in a one-man club wouldn’t bother me.”
After joining the team on a train and trial deal from the Canberra Raiders, Vaalepu made his debut in Round 20 of the previous season and appeared in seven first-grade games.
Despite only a six-week contract at the time, he has made an impression on club officials and is expected to take on a more significant role in 2025 as Christian Welch, Nelson Asofa-Solomona, and Tui Kamaikamica near the conclusion of their careers.
The key thing has been that I just want to keep getting better. improving daily, simply increasing, and the benefits will undoubtedly materialize,” he continued.
“Just attempting to continue in the same manner. Only the intensity is increased; nothing else changes.
Eleven spaces remain on the Melbourne Storm’s Top 30 roster for the 2026 NRL season, and six players are off-contract at the end of the current campaign.
