'Made it a real option': The role star winger Will Warbrick played in landing Storm's Olympic recruit
Storm winger Will Warbrick has laid the foundation for rugby sevens players to join the NRL and it's already paying off for his own club.
Warbrick switched codes less than two years ago after winning an Olympic silver medal with New Zealand in 2020 and has already become a household name in rugby league.
The 26-year-old has locked down a spot out wide for Melbourne, scoring 32 tries in 49 first-grade appearances to date, including this year's grand final loss to Penrith.
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His transition is opening plenty of doors in the 13-man code, with the Roosters picking up Mark Nawaqanitawase immediately after Paris 2024 and the Dragons landing star Aussie sevens player Nathan Lawson for next season.
Mark Nawaqanitawase during his NRL debut for the Roosters. Getty
But it was Warbrick's influence that helped Moses Leo end up at the Storm just months after featuring at Olympic level in the famous black jumper.
Speaking to media during pre-season, Leo explained how his long-standing connection with Warbrick helped pave the way for a move to an NRL powerhouse.
"Back in sevens, I did live with Will for a bit of a stint," he said.
"Seeing his success made it a real option for me, especially this team with the environment and what they breed attracted me to make the switch. Seeing Brick be successful was really motivating. I was really keen to get here sooner rather than later.
"The way that things unfolded, I was fortunate enough to get a release from New Zealand and get over earlier to soak up all the information that I can to make the transition as best as possible to maximise my potential."
Leo has played on plenty of big stages during his sevens career, but the 27-year-old will likely have to work his way up the ranks under Craig Bellamy.
Moses Leo races away for a try at Paris 2024. Getty
The outside back is expected to start next year in reserve grade before hopes of an NRL debut, following in the footsteps of his former Kiwi teammate.
"There are no expectations there," Leo said.
"I'm just trying to be the best man I can be and do what's best for the team.
"I've always thought for me that league was an option, and I really enjoyed playing league back in my younger days. Things off-field made sense for me to be based in Australia to give my family an opportunity to see me play as well.
"I really like the challenge that it possesses. I think I can really flourish here."
