Jonah Pezet signs four-year extension at Storm but with an early exit clause

He knows he’s behind two superstars in the playmaking pecking order at Storm but an emerging talent has opted to stay in Melbourne.

Melbourne Storm has held off interest from a raft of rival clubs to retain emerging halfback until the end of the 2029 season despite knowing he sits behind superstar Jahrome Hughes in the pecking order but keen to “repay the faith” of the club.

It’s also understood Pezet, who was courted hard by Newcastle on a $2.5 million offer for the 21-year-old, could still exit the club should Hughes, who is contracted until the end of 2026, sign another Storm deal.

But Pezet, who played 10 NRL games in 2023 and then the opening three of 2024 before rupturing his ACL in April, was happy to knock back the massive offer from the Knights to sign a four-year extension with the Storm and continue to hone his craft under Hughes and fellow star playmaker Cameron Munster.

“It’s a special feeling to continue my career at the Storm. The club has put a lot of faith in me from a young age and hopefully I can repay that over the next few years,” Pezet said.

The 2024 season saw Pezet feature at five-eighth for the opening three NRL matches, setting up the match-winning try against Penrith. Pezet’s campaign was unfortunately cut short in April after suffering an ACL injury in the HostPlus Cup.

Official 🔒

Jonah Pezet inks a new deal ➡️ https://t.co/odi8LECnGBpic.twitter.com/aLvSGzIJqu

— Melbourne Storm (@storm) December 20, 2024

“I have loved the environment and playing with this group of players, I’ve learnt a huge amount from the senior guys and our coaching group,” he said.

“Last season didn’t go to plan for me, but I’m excited to get back playing and contribute as much as possible.”

Pezet is already back in pre-season training and remains on track to be available early in the 2025 season.

Storm football boss, Frank Ponissi, said Pezet remained a strong part of the club’s future.

“Jonah is an exciting talent and someone we see as an important member of our squad over the coming years,” he said.

“He’s had a strong start to his career and we’re looking forward to his continued development in 2025.”

Melbourne also this week re-signed fringe Origin player Trent Loeiro.

Originally published as Jonah Pezet signs four-year extension at Storm but with an early exit clause