Storm speedster Will Warbrick has backed Moses Leo to thrive if he follows the winger's path from New Zealand rugby sevens to Melbourne.
The club has been in talks with Leo about a code switch after he impressed in the sevens competition at the Paris Olympics.
It's a path Warbrick knows well, having represented New Zealand in sevens before signing with the Storm after the Tokyo Olympics.
The pair played together throughout 2021 and Warbrick said his countryman has all the qualities to set the NRL alight if he makes the move to Melbourne.
"He’s a great rugby sevens player, a great athlete and an even better bloke so whatever he decides I’m sure he’ll excel," Warbrick said. "He’s got a great work ethic, a great talent and if he can come over here, it’ll be good but we’ll see what happens.
"He’s a dynamic guy, a great athlete, got great speed and skill. He’s got a good offload and good footwork so he’s a damaging runner. If you’ve got those traits, I’m sure you’ll do well in the NRL."
Will Warbrick 1st Try
Leo's potential move comes as a host of sevens stars make the switch to the NRL and NRLW.
Olympic gold medallists Stacey Waaka and Tyla King recently returned from Paris to link up with the Broncos and Dragons respectively while the Sharks are in talks with Australian veteran Sharni Smale.
While some players have been rushed straight into the top flight, the Storm took a more cautious approach with Warbrick.
After winning a silver medal at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, the winger spent 2022 playing for the Sunshine Coast Falcons in the Queensland Cup.
Waaka away!
An NRL debut came in the opening round of the 2023 season and he has now developed into one of the best finishers in the game.
While plenty of sevens skills are transferable to rugby league, Warbrick said the switch to the 13-player game is harder than it looks.
He looks back on the year-long apprenticeship as the perfect foundation for a successful career and backed the Storm to ensure Leo enjoys a smooth transition.
"Melbourne’s a good environment, we’ve got some really good players here, got great coaches and we’ve just got great people at the club," Warbrick said.
"Melbourne have good people in the club who are willing to help and put time and effort into you and develop you, that’s what they’re good at.
"Moses himself, he’s a great dude. I’ve seen firsthand he works hard. He’s a great trainer and we’ve got great coaches and a great environment. I’m sure he’ll excel in the Melbourne Storm if he decides to come here."
The Storm's pursuit of Leo comes as they prepare for a top-of-the-table clash with Penrith at BlueBet Stadium on Thursday night.
Match: Panthers v Storm
Round 24 -
home Team
Panthers
2nd Position
away Team
Storm
1st Position
Venue: BlueBet Stadium, Penrith
Match broadcasters:
- WatchNRL
Melbourne currently sit two points clear of the Panthers but have been scratchy over the last couple of weeks.
A loss to the Dragons was followed by a gritty win over the Rabbitohs in which they made a number of errors in the second half.
The Storm can put one hand on the minor premiership with a win on Thursday night but Warbrick said a repeat performance won't be good enough.
"To beat Penrith you’ve got to play 80 minutes and they’re not a team that’s going to beat themselves," he said.
"We’ve got to put our best foot forward and play our game for the full 80 to put ourselves in a good position to hopefully get a good result."
