‘It wasn’t a hard decision’: Harry Grant commits his future to the Storm as minor premiers switch their focus to re-signing Ryan Papenhuyzen

The Storm have locked in three of their four spine members on long-term deals after skipper Harry Grant took up an option to remain with the club until the end of 2026.

Melbourne Storm’s premiership window remains fully open after skipper Harry Grant took up his player option to remain at the club until the end of the 2026 season in a huge boost for the beaten grand finalists.

Grant’s decision to stay comes with key playmakers Cameron Munster (2027) and Jahrome Hughes (2026) locked in long term and attention now turning to fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen who is off contract at the end of the 2025 season and will be free to negotiate with rivals next week.

Grant took over the captaincy this season and claimed his second Dally M Hooker of the Year Award having helped the Storm claim the minor premiership before they were beaten by Penrith on grand final night.

The 26-year-old had huge boots to fill following Cameron Smith’s retirement at the end of 2020 but has quickly emerged as the best No.9 in the game.

The Storm will now turn their attention to signing Ryan Papenhuyzen before rival clubs can start negotiating with him next week. Picture: Justin Lloyd

“It’s been an incredible year for the club and I’m looking forward to seeing what we can do together over the next few years,” Grant said.

“It wasn’t a hard decision to make given the club has put trust in me with the captaincy this season. We have a lot of natural leaders in the squad too which helps both on and off the field. The potential and depth of our roster really excites me.

“Everyone at the club works so hard to give us a chance to play each week. We’re the lucky ones who get the chance to run out each week and play in front of our members and fans.”

Grant scored a career-high 12 tries in 2024, including a hat-trick in the finals win over Cronulla, with his running game off a quick play the ball making him one of the most dangerous weapons in the Storm team.

Harry Grant has dominated for the Storm, Maroons and Kangaroos. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

The Maroons dummy-half is currently in camp with the Kangaroos in New Zealand preparing to take on the Kiwis this Sunday, with the Storm to start 2025 as premiership favourites as they look to go one better under his leadership.

“Harry has thrived in his role of captain both on and off the field and is a natural-born leader, whether working with the playing squad and coaches or with our admin staff and volunteers,” Storm chief executive Justin Rodski said.

“It will be exciting to see what this group of players can achieve with Harry as their skipper.”