NZ Warriors forward Eliesa Katoa is on his way to the NRL's Melbourne Storm.
On Monday, the Storm announced they'd secured the 22-year-old on a two-year contract starting in the 2023 season, beating out newcomers Redcliffe Dolphins in the race for his services.
After struggling to earn game time this season, Katoa - whose contract was due to expire at the end of 2024 - requested an release from the Warriors to explore options with other clubs, which opened the path for him to join the perennial title contenders.
After a standout rookie campaign in 2020, he played in 18 games last year, but has since only featured in 11 to date this season, struggling to gain a foothold amid the club's substantial stocks up front.
"We're sympathetic to Eli's circumstances," said Warriors chief executive Cameron George.
"With so much competition for spots in the back row he hasn’t had as many opportunities as he would have liked this year.
"We've also made key signings in that area for next year or so.
"We really appreciate the contribution Eli has made to our club since joining us and wish him every success for the future."
Katoa has made 42 NRL appearances since his debut, with all but one of them - funnily enough, the 24-12 defeat to the Storm on July 29 - played in Australia.
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