Storm winger Vunivalu committed to Reds shift

Melbourne winger Suli Vunivalu has committed his future to the Queensland Reds, dashing the Storm’s hopes of keeping him at the NRL club next season.

Spectacular Storm winger Suliasi Vunivalu is still heading for the Queensland Reds

Melbourne winger Suli Vunivalu has committed his future to the Queensland Reds and Rugby Australia, dashing the Storm’s hopes of keeping him at the NRL club next season.

Vunivalu agreed to a lucrative contract with the Reds and RA late last year but there were concerns over whether the deal could and would be honoured given rugby union’s perilous financial state.

However, it is understood talks with rugby union officials have convinced Vunivalu that his deal is in no danger and as such, he will honour his contract. His management is believed to have informed Melbourne officials on Tuesday that he would leave the Storm at the end of the season.

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It means Melbourne are facing the prospect of replacing both their first-choice wingers next season as Josh Addo-Carr continues to pursue a return to Sydney.

Addo-Carr has another year remaining on his deal with the Storm and they will only allow him to leave if they receive something in return, be it in the form of a player or compensation.