Earned Moments: Tonumaipea scores on the stroke of full time

Being in Melbourne Storm’s 2022 squad was the last thing on Young Tonumaipea’s mind as he began his year playing Rugby Union for the Melbourne Rebels. 

But after switching codes at the end of the union season, signing on for 6 months mid-year, the Victorian native returned to where it all began, once again pulling on the purple jersey for the first time in 1,479 days in Storm’s Round 21 clash with the Gold Coast Titans. 

A scrum in the 79th minute gave way for hooker Harry Grant to flick to Cooper Johns in five-eighth. Headed for a collision, Johns made a long and high pass to Tonumaipea sitting in clear space out on the left wing. 

The winger powered straight ahead to land Storm’s final try of the game, furthering the team’s lead and winning margin.  

Unable to wipe the smile off his face, Tonumaipea’s first try since returning to the purple jersey was a special moment for the Storm squad and purple faithful alike. 

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