NRL signings: Storm sign NAS replacement in Pezet-esque deal

The Melbourne Storm are expected to sign South Sydney prop Davvy Moale for the 2026 season after the release of Nelson Asofa-Solomona.

Moale will ink a one-year deal with the Storm, before the prop joins the Manly Sea Eagles on a three-year deal in 2027; a deal that was signed back in late September, per Michael Carayannis.

Moale becomes the second player to sign a unique deal of this kind, following Jonah Pezet in October, who signed a one-year deal with the Eels before he will join the Broncos long-term.

It’s a new emerging trend of deals with the potential to give the current transfer market system a shake-up.

Standing at 186cm tall, and 112kg, Moale is shorter than the hulking size of Nelson Asofa-Solomona, who stands at two metres.

At 22, Moale has long been touted for a breakout season having impressed greatly coming through the Rabbitohs’ junior system, but a pre-season under Craig Bellamy, who is renowned for getting the best out of players, could see the prop unlock the next level to his game.

The Storm have also signed Jack Hetherington for the 2026 season after Eli Katoa was ruled out of the entire season, while Ativalu Lisati recently re-signed and the club nabbed Dolphins’ rookie Oryn Keeley for 2027. Young Titans’ prop Josiah Pahulu also joins the club.

Sua Faalogo will also get first crack at the vacant fullback role after the departure of Ryan Papenhuyzen.

The Sea Eagles were hopeful of having Moale a year early, but were unable to move a player on early, halting the move.

10/12/2025

The Perth Bears have confirmed the double signing of Liam Henry and Iszac Fa’asuamaleaui for the 2027 season.

Iszac Fa’asuamaleaui will play with the Catalans Dragons in 2026, alongside new halfback Toby Sexton, before joining the Bears for 2027 and 2028.

The forward’s signing could play a key role in luring brother Tino Fa’asuamaleaui to the club, with the Titans’ star identified as a major target for the new side.

The elder Fa'asuamaleaui is able to negotiate with rivals for 2027 and looms as a potential marquee get for the Bears given his relationship with Mal Meninga.

“The Perth Bears provide an incredible opportunity for me to continue my career and play a part in building something special in Western Australia,” Fa’asuamaleaui said.

“It’s going to be good to get to play with Toby (Sexton) at Catalans and hopefully have a strong year in Super League.”

“That’s my priority right now but in 2027 I’ll be ready to give it my all for the Bears.”

Meanwhile, Liam Henry has inked a four-year deal, with the 24-year-old making the move from the Penrith Panthers.

The young prop has become a mainstay in the Panthers’ side, playing 50 games for the club, including their 2024 premiership win, and will serve as a cornerstone of the inaugural pack.

Hailing from Blayney in regional New South Wales, Henry spoke about the opportunity to carve a new legacy at a new club.

“I’m excited about the opportunity to be a part of history and continue my career with the Perth Bears from 2027,” Henry said.

“It’s not every day you get the chance to be a part of a new team in a new city and it’s that opportunity that excites me the most.”

The Melbourne Storm have confirmed the signing of Dolphins' forward Oryn Keeley on a two-year deal, while the Parramatta Eels have locked up rookie fullback Isaiah Iongi on a monster contract to the end of 2030.

4/12/2025

The Sydney Roosters have confirmed the signature of Reuben Garrick from 2027.

Garrick will join the Roosters on a three-year-deal beginning next season, following good friend Daly Cherry-Evans and Tommy Talau as the latest Sea Eagle to join the club.

The Manly star has split between centre and wing over his career at the Sea Eagles, playing 157 games for the club.

The signing is crucial for the Roosters, with Kangaroos' star Mark Nawaqanitawase returning to rugby union in 2027, while questions remain over the future of Daniel Tupou, who could retire at season's end.

Garrick has scored the third most points in Manly history and holds the record for most points in a season in 2021.

"The Sydney Roosters have announced the signing of Reuben Garrick on a three-year deal commencing in 2027," a Roosters media statement read.

"Garrick will join the Roosters ahead of the 2027 pre-season, with the Club respecting his ongoing commitment to Manly in 2026, and wishing him well for the season."