Olympian Moses Leo granted early release by NZR to join NRL giants

Less than two weeks out from the new HSBC SVNS Series season, the Melbourne Storm have revealed that former All Blacks Sevens speedster Moses Leo will join the NRL giants early after being granted a release by New Zealand Rugby.

An update was reported by RugbyPass’ transfer guru Neil Fissler a few days ago, before the Storm made the announcement on Tuesday morning. Leo was a standout for New Zealand Sevens in 2023/24 before going on to play eight matches for North Harbour during the NPC season.

Leo came off the bench for Harbour during their win over Waikato in the third round before starting three matches on the bounce at outside centre. The 27-year-old scored six tries in a five game stretch, which included some starts on the right and left wings.

With positional versatility, speed to burn and some solid defensive work, Leo will provide both depth and quality to the Storm’s options in the outside backs for next year’s NRL campaign. The Aucklander will begin training with last season’s runners up later this month.

“We are looking forward to seeing Moses join his teammates for pre-season this year and appreciate the cooperation from New Zealand Rugby in supporting Moses with his request for an early release,” Storm Director of Football, Frank Ponissi, said in a statement.

 

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Leo debuted for the All Blacks Sevens in 2022 and later went on to represent Team New Zealand at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham and the Paris Olympics. The Kiwi has also been a force to be reckoned with on the SVNS Series in years gone by.

But, the All Blacks Sevens will now prepare to usher in a new era without Leo, Leroy Carter, Che Clarke, Tepaea Cook-Savage, Fehi Fineanganofo, Sam Dickson, Scott Curry and Tim Mikkelson. New Zealand Sevens included Leo in a farewell video a couple of days ago at the time of writing.

As for the Melbourne Storm, they’ve bolstered their ranks with another New Zealand Olympian. Will Warbrick played for the sevens side at the postponed Tokyo Games before pursuing an opportunity with the Storm in the 13-player game.

Warbrick was sensational in 24 appearances for the purple-wearing club last season, which saw the winge score 15 tries, break 74 tackles, make 16 linebreaks, tackle at almost 80 per cent efficiency, make an NRL Grand Final, and debut at international level for New Zealand.

Leo was announced as a Storm recruit for the 2026 season and beyond in September, and Warbrick was asked about the future code-hopper. The New Zealand Kiwis flyer was complimentary of the “great talent” who has been tipped to star in league.

“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,” Warbrick said earlier this year.

“If you’ve got those traits, I’m sure you’ll do well in the NRL. I can’t compare him to anyone but he’s a talent.

“I know Moses quite well,” he added. “He’s got a great work ethic, a great talent – personally I think he’ll excel here. He’ll fit in and that’s the main thing.”