Parker: The challenge facing Fa'alogo following dominant win

Following a dominant performance in Melbourne’s Round 1 win against Parramatta, Corey Parker has named the challenge facing Sua Fa’alogo for the season ahead.

Having been more of a winger throughout 2025 for the Storm, the 22-year-old is now being deployed in his traditional role as a fullback following Ryan Papenhuyzen’s departure.

And the Samoan who grew up in Melbourne looked right at home.

Fa’alogo ran for 194 metres during the match, resulting in five line break assists, two tackle breaks, a try assist and two tries of his own in the Storm’s 52-4 over the Eels.

But while Parker acknowledges that the versatile back is a great player, he believes that the 23-game player is yet to be tested when the opposition’s attack is more free-flowing.

“He’s a great player, Fa’alogo,” he told SENQ Breakfast.

“But the challenge is going to be for him when they are in a battle like an end-to-end grind, in the cycle.

“It’s all good when things are rolling downhill, and he’s only young. He’s an absolute superstar and excitement machine.

“But when you’re in the cycle going end to end, that’s going to be a challenge for Fa’alogo.”

Parker wasn’t the only one to acknowledge how good the Storm fullback could be.

Speaking during SEN League’s pre-match show, the Melbourne Storm’s inaugural halfback, Brett Kimmorley, was rather bullish on the impact that Fa’alogo could have within the city.

“I think he is going to set the world on fire,” Kimmorley said.

“He’s played 22 NRL matches. I know they’ve got pathways now, memberships, they’ve played in Grand Finals, they’ve got a great following.

“Now, if there is an interest in the locals that will come and be a Melbourne Storm fan, this kid will be the kid that attracts the locals coming through (and supporting) their own product.

“Being a Melbourne-based player and now being a star…he will entice new fans, new Melbourne people to come to the game.”

The Storm will look to continue their strong start to the season when they take on the Dragons at WIN Stadium on March 14.