‘I think he’ll excel here’: Sevens convert backs Moses Leo to star at the Storm if he decides to switch codes

The Storm has already turned one sevens player into an NRL star, and they could be looking at their next prospect.

The Storm has already turned one former rugby sevens player into an NRL star, and Will Warbrick is confident they can do it again if New Zealand’s Moses Leo decides to switch codes and head to the NRL next year.

Warbrick has been one of Melbourne’s many success stories, with the Tokyo silver medallist scoring 27 tries in 43 games across two seasons for the Storm.

The towering winger is 26 – the same age as Leo – with Warbrick backing the Olympian to do well in the outside backs in rugby league if he signs with a club like the Storm, which has shown it is willing to put the time and energy into guys like him.

The Storm is expected to ramp up discussions with Moses Leo following his Olympics campaign in Paris. Picture: Carl de Souza / AFP

“He’s a dynamic guy, a great athlete, got great speed and skill. He’s got a good offload and good footwork, so he’s a damaging runner. If you’ve got those traits, I’m sure you’ll do well in the NRL. I can’t compare him to anyone, but he’s a talent,” Warbrick said.

“I know Moses quite well, I’m not sure what his plans are or what he’s going to do. All I can speak about is the man himself. He’s a great rugby sevens player, a great rugby union player, a great athlete and an even better bloke, so whatever he decides I’m sure he’ll excel in.

“He’s got a great work ethic, a great talent and if he can come over here, it’ll be good, but we’ll see what happens.

“I haven’t spoken to him yet. I’ll get in touch with him. He’s just competed in the Olympics.

“It was a disappointing result there and he’s probably enjoyed some time off. In a few days I might give him a message and see what he’s doing, what he’s up to.”

Moses Leo would play in the outside backs if he signs with the Storm. Picture: Roslan Rahman/ AFP

Leo overcame a number of injury setbacks early in his career to make his sevens debut in Singapore back in 2022 and scored two tries for New Zealand in the bronze medal match against Australia at the Commonwealth Games that year.

“I’m not going to say he’s going to come in and light the world on fire. He might do, who knows, but he’s got a good character about him,” Warbrick said.

“He’s a disciplined dude who’s hardworking. If you’ve got those traits you’ll do well at whatever you decide to do. I think he’ll excel here. He’ll fit in and that’s the main thing.

“Melbourne’s a good environment. We’ve got some really good players here, got great coaches and we’ve just got great people at the club. Melbourne have good people in the club who are willing to help and put time and effort into you and develop you, that’s what they’re good at.

“I’ve seen first hand he works hard, he’s a great trainer and we’ve got great coaches and a great environment. I’m sure he’ll excel with the Melbourne Storm if he decides to come here.”

Will Warbrick has starred on the right wing for the Storm after making the switch from sevens. Picture: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images

A number of players have made the move from sevens to the NRLW, with Warbrick flying the flag in the NRL where he’s become one of the Storm’s most important players in the air and on the ground where he makes plenty of metres.

After an incredible rookie year that included scoring the winner in the second week of the finals, Warbrick started 2024 pretty slowly with a few defensive issues, but he’s getting back to his best just in time for the big games.

“The first part of the season I was pretty inconsistent with my form. I struggled a little bit there then had a little injury midway through the season,” he conceded.

“The time off allowed me to sit back and figure out how I get back to my strengths and my game. That comes off the back of taking tough carries, running hard and working hard off the ball.

“I’m pretty lucky to play outside some pretty good players and have some good coaches here. They always say the same thing, they reminded me of my strengths and say to play to them.

“I’ve done that for the past few weeks but that’s the past few weeks. Going forward I need to be able to back it up. The NRL season is a long season and consistency is a big thing.

“If I can carry on that going forward hopefully I’m doing my part for the team.”