Melbourne Storm prepare to land Olympic silver medallist All Blacks star

A 194cm All Blacks giant is set to defect from rugby union to rugby league if an NRL club has their way to fill an Origin sized gap.

The Melbourne Storm have reportedly nabbed a monster signing in Olympic silver medallist All Blacks star William Warbrick.

The 23-year-old Rugby Sevens winger was part of the All Blacks team that lost to Fiji in the Olympic Final earlier this year.

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In a signing to replace Josh Addo-Carr, reports emerged from The Australian that the 194cm, 100kg Warbrick was set to give up rugby union and try his hand at the 13-man game.

The report said the Storm were “on the verge of another stunning trans-Tasman coup as they prepare to raid the New Zealand Rugby Sevens programme”.

But on Wednesday afternoon, New Zealand outlet Newshub reported that the deal was done as Warbrick said the logistical issues associated with travel in Covid times had made rugby league an attractive option.

“For me to have the opportunity to go to the Olympics, compete and win a silver medal, I’m extremely grateful,” Warbrick said to Newshub.

“It’s going to be a big challenge, coming from a union/sevens background and then transitioning back into the 13s game.

“I’ve got a few goals in mind – first is getting into the squad, getting my first cap in first grade. That’s my only goal at the moment.

“I’d love to put on the black jersey.”

William Warbrick celebrates scoring a try at the Olympics. Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images

Storm recruitment boss Paul Bunn said the team was excited by what he could add to the squad.

“We wouldn’t sign anyone, if we didn’t think they could play first grade,’’ says Storm head of recruitment Paul Bunn. “If he adapts well, then we might see a lot of first grade in him.

“He’s great in the air, has quick feet and a good fend … he has an excellent fend.”

Funnily enough, it’s not the only code-switch that Warbrick had made in his career so far.

He previously played in the AFL New Zealand premiership before he was snatched up by the Sevens system.

It comes just three weeks after Warbrick posted on Instagram to pay tribute to New Zealand rugby, hinting that he was moving on.

“2 years ago @allblacks7s and @nzrugbyofficial gave an opportunity to a young fella playing club rugby for Te Teko to live out his childhood dream,” Warbrick wrote on Instagram. “To represent his country and put on the ‘Black’ jersey for a living, something I’ll forever be grateful for.

“As I look to move on I reflect on these past 2 years which have been nothing but the best and has allowed me to experience things I couldn’t even imagine. It has been an absolute privilege being apart of such a special group, from the Management right down to my teammates.. I can’t thank you all enough, it has been nothing but a pleasure.”

It comes after Addo-Carr officially joined the Bulldogs for the 2022 season as the 26-year-old ended his five-year stint in Melbourne.

Addo-Carr is one of the best wingers in the game, leaving some big boots to fill after becoming a NSW and Kangaroos representative winger.

The Storm also increased its backline depth before Warbrick joined the club, having 20-year-old Maroons representative winger Xavier Coates from the Broncos.

The club also signed former Bulldogs utility Nick Meaney while the likes of George Jennings and Reimis Smith are already at the club.

— with New Zealand Herald

Originally published as Melbourne Storm prepare to land Olympic silver medallist All Blacks star