All Blacks star officially joins NRL with Melbourne Storm in cross-code switch

The Melbourne Storm have secured a major coup with an All Blacks superstar agreeing to replace the departing Josh Addo-Carr.

William Warbrick has some learning to do. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)

The Melbourne Storm have confirmed the monster signing of 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 and — at 194cm and 100kg — lines up as a direct replacement for departing star Josh Addo-Carr.

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Warbrick told Newshub on Thursday that he is well aware of the steep learning curve required when players switch codes.

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

“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.”

Storm general manager of football Frank Ponissi said he wasn’t concerned about Warbrick’s lack of rugby league experience; saying his pedigree made him a desirable signing.

“William has some experience at playing league during his school days, so the game won’t be totally new to him,” Ponissi said in a statement.

“Once we were made aware by his management that William was seeking to make a switch away from sevens, we were immediately interested and happy to have an initial chat.

“We think William has what it takes to make it in the NRL and will give him every opportunity to achieve his potential.”

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,” Bunn said. “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.”

William Warbrick is heading to Melbourne. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)

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.

The latest switch 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 a part 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.”

Meanwhile, the departing Addo-Carr has officially joined the Bulldogs for the 2022 season, the 26-year-old ending 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.

This story first appeared on the NZ Herald and was reproduced with permission

Originally published as All Blacks star officially joins NRL with Melbourne Storm in cross-code switch