Melbourne Storm win race for potential Brandon Smith successor, signing boom Kiwi rookie
The Storm are locked in a battle to retain Kiwi superstar Brandon Smith in 2023 - but may have found another New Zealander to replace him.
Stanley Iongi, an 18-year-old from Auckland, is rated one of the best young hooker/dummy halves in New Zealand.
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Iongi was chased by half a dozen NRL sides but has decided to sign with the Storm's feeder club Brisbane Tigers.
The teenager, who has been in the Warriors' system for the last three years, will begin his apprenticeship with the Tigers (formerly Easts Tigers) in 2022 and his progress will be closely monitored by Storm officials.
Melbourne Storm are resigned to losing Brandon Smith for 2023. Getty
Iongi represented the Kiwis at under 16 level a couple of years ago and has attracted the eye of NRL talent scouts since then, excelling in the junior grades.
He plays a similar style to Smith, with a dynamic burst of speed out of dummy half and the ability to also play lock.
Smith, meanwhile, is attracting massive offers from the likes of the Roosters, Titans and Bulldogs and is expected to make a decision on his future in coming weeks.
