Moses Leo is following in the footsteps of former New Zealand Olympic sevens player Will Warbrick by transitioning to the NRL with the Melbourne Storm. After competing in the Paris Olympics, where New Zealand’s sevens team fell short of a medal, Leo has secured a two-year contract with the minor premiers. However, he won’t join the team until the 2026 season due to his commitments with NZRU.
Frank Ponissi, Melbourne Storm’s director of football, expressed the club’s admiration for Leo’s eagerness to challenge himself in rugby league. Ponissi noted, “We’re very impressed with Moses’s skills and his strong desire to test himself in rugby league,” while emphasizing that Leo’s signing is a future-focused move, as the club continues to prepare for potential competition expansion.
Leo, 27, currently plays 15-a-side rugby for North Harbour in New Zealand’s National Provincial Championship as a winger. However, the Storm believes he could also be effective in the centres or at fullback. Warbrick, who transitioned from sevens rugby after winning silver at the Tokyo Olympics, took time to adjust but eventually became one of the league’s top finishers. He praised Leo’s athleticism and skills, stating that Leo shares similar physical traits that could lead to NRL success.
Warbrick also spoke highly of Leo’s character, saying, “He’s got a great work ethic, and I believe he’ll thrive here. He’ll fit right in, which is key.” Leo’s arrival will provide depth to Melbourne’s outside backs following the departures of Justin Olam, Reimis Smith, and George Jennings over the last year.
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