The Melbourne Storm have once again demonstrated their sharp roster management, becoming involved in their second three-way player movement of the off-season by securing prop forward Davvy Moale on a one-year deal for the 2026 NRL season, before he officially links up with the Manly Sea Eagles in 2027.
The arrangement mirrors an almost identical agreement executed earlier in the off-season involving former Storm halfback Jonah Pezet, who will spend the 2026 campaign with the Parramatta Eels before making his long-term move to the Brisbane Broncos in 2027. Together, the deals highlight a growing trend in the NRL where clubs collaborate creatively to balance salary caps, player development, and long-term recruitment strategies.
For Melbourne, the signing of Moale represents a timely and calculated move as the club navigates a period of transition within its forward pack.
Moale Granted Immediate Release by Rabbitohs
Moale arrives at the Storm after being granted an immediate release by the South Sydney Rabbitohs, bringing an end to his five-season tenure with the club. The Cook Islands international made his NRL debut in 2021 and went on to play 70 first-grade matches for South Sydney.
While Moale showed promise early in his career, he never fully developed into the dominant middle forward many predicted he could become. Nonetheless, his experience, size, and work rate have made him a dependable contributor at NRL level, and his value as a depth and rotation forward remains significant.
South Sydney’s decision to release Moale is understood to be driven by both player welfare and salary cap considerations, as the club looks to reshape its roster while prioritising the retention of key stars.
“Davvy and his management came to us seeking a release from his contract to take up an opportunity at another club, before he heads to the Sea Eagles in 2027, and we have granted that release,” Rabbitohs chief executive Blake Solly said.
“We have enjoyed working with Davvy for a number of seasons now and we wish him the best of luck into the future. He will always be regarded as a South Sydney Rabbitohs.”
Storm Add Muscle Amid Key Forward Losses
For the Storm, Moale’s arrival comes at a crucial moment. The club has been forced to address significant changes within its forward rotation, most notably the departure of Nelson Asofa-Solomona, who has stepped away from rugby league to pursue a professional boxing career.
Compounding the challenge, star edge forward Eli Katoa is set to miss the entire 2026 season as he continues his recovery from brain surgery — a major blow to Melbourne’s attacking and defensive structure on the edge.
As a result, Melbourne have prioritised adding size, power, and experience through the middle, with Moale fitting that profile well. The club has already bolstered its pack by recruiting Jack Hetherington and re-signing emerging forward Ativalu Lisati, but Moale’s arrival adds another layer of reliability and physicality.
Storm director of football Frank Ponissi welcomed the signing, emphasising Moale’s experience and suitability within Melbourne’s system.
“We’re really pleased to be bringing Davvy into our ranks for 2026. He is a powerful forward who will complement our current group of forwards well,” Ponissi said.
“Davvy’s first-grade experience will be important to add after having a number of young forwards promoted from our Pathways system.”
“We’ve had success with short term deals in the past and know Davvy will apply himself in our system for the time he is here and be a real asset in 2026.”
A Calculated Stopgap With Long-Term Benefits
Although Moale’s stay in Melbourne will be limited to a single season, history suggests the Storm are adept at extracting maximum value from short-term signings. The club has a strong track record of integrating experienced players into its high-performance environment, often revitalising careers and providing players with a platform to earn long-term contracts elsewhere.
For Moale, the 2026 season represents an opportunity to re-establish himself as a consistent NRL middle forward within one of the competition’s most demanding systems. A strong year in Melbourne could significantly benefit him when he eventually joins the Sea Eagles in 2027, both in confidence and form.
From Manly’s perspective, allowing Moale to spend a season at the Storm before his arrival may prove advantageous. The Sea Eagles will inherit a battle-hardened forward who has spent a year under Craig Bellamy’s system — a proven breeding ground for elite-level professionalism and discipline.
South Sydney Free Up Cap Space
Moale’s departure also provides South Sydney with increased salary cap flexibility at a crucial time. The Rabbitohs are reportedly focused on retaining representative forward Keaon Koloamatangi, who has attracted strong interest and lucrative offers from rival clubs.
Freeing up Moale’s contract allows South Sydney to strengthen their negotiating position as they look to lock in Koloamatangi as a long-term cornerstone of their forward pack.
While Moale’s exit marks the end of a solid chapter, it also reflects the Rabbitohs’ broader strategy of refining their roster to align with future ambitions.
A Sign of Changing NRL Recruitment Trends
The Moale deal, much like the Pezet arrangement before it, underscores a broader shift in NRL recruitment strategies. Clubs are increasingly working collaboratively, rather than competitively, to facilitate player movement that benefits all parties involved.
These three-way agreements allow players to secure long-term futures while ensuring they remain active at NRL level, rather than sitting on the sidelines or being forced into reserve-grade football.
For the Storm, it reinforces their reputation as one of the smartest operators in the league — a club that consistently finds innovative solutions to roster challenges without compromising performance.
As the 2026 season approaches, Moale’s short-term stint in purple looms as a key subplot, particularly given Melbourne’s ongoing push to remain premiership contenders despite significant personnel changes.
