Brandon Smith's curious claim around Jonah Pezet as young half officially rejects Knights and signs with Storm
21-year-old half Jonah Pezet has emerged as possibly one of the most patient men in rugby league after he re-signed with the Storm on a four-year deal.
Pezet was subject to interest from the Newcastle Knights but rejected them in favour of his current club where he sits behind Jahrome Hughes at halfback.
The talented youngster played his junior rugby league at Newcastle but moved to the Storm system in 2021.
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He has since played 10 NRL matches after debuting in 2023.
Jonah Pezet has re-signed with the Melbourne Storm. Getty
Pezet played three matches at five-eighth last year before he suffered an ACL injury in the Queensland Cup.
"It's a special feeling to continue my career at the Storm," Pezet said in a club statement.
"The club has put a lot of faith in me from a young age and hopefully I can repay that over the next few years.
"I have loved the environment and playing with this group of players, I've learnt a huge amount from the senior guys and our coaching group.
"Last season didn't go to plan for me, but I'm excited to get back playing and contribute as much as possible."
Pezet's long-term deal comes with Hughes contracted until the end of the 2026 season while Cameron Munster's deal ends in 2027.
Jahrome Hughes playing in the grand final. Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Speaking on The Bye Round podcast, former Storm star Brandon Smith described it as "strange".
"He's staying at the Melbourne Storm, where he's going to be a backup," he said.
"They've got Jahrome Hughes there, he's just come off the best year of his career and he doesn't look like he's slowing down whereas Jonah, he walks into that Knights halves role and that's his team.
"... I feel like Jonah, at his age, as a half, you want to walk into a team and say this is my team now."
News Corp reported before the signing was made public that Pezet has a clause in his contract that allows him to become a free agent if Hughes re-signs in the future.
