Melbourne Storm signs Hetherington, Toelau, and Waitere to bolster their roster for 2026.
The Melbourne Storm have announced the signings of three new players: forward Jack Hetherington, halfback Trent Toelau, and utility back Manaia Waitere.
Hetherington has joined the team on a one-year contract, whereas Toelau and Waitere have both secured two-year deals. The additions of Hetherington and Waitere, the latter previously signed with the Raiders until 2026, had been speculated over the past two weeks. Meanwhile, Toelau has been released from his contract with the Penrith Panthers.
Hetherington, who played with the Newcastle Knights in 2025, was not offered a new contract at the end of that season. He is now set to join Melbourne, where he is expected to help fill the void left by Eliesa Katoa. Katoa will miss the entire 2026 season due to a traumatic head injury sustained while representing Tonga in the Pacific Championships.