Linked with a possible return to the NRL, former Melbourne Storm winger Suliasi Vunivalu has made a decision on whether he will make a triumphant return or will remain in the 15-man code.

Confirmed to have departed the Queensland Reds in the Super Rugby competition on Tuesday, Vunivalu is currently uncontracted as he mulls over the next step in his professional sporting career.

This comes after he was left out of Joe Schmidt's squad for the July Tests against Wales and Georgia.

After enjoying success in both theย NRL and rugby union, he stands to command a significant salary and interest, prompting speculation that he could find himself back competing in the 13-man code.

However, as reported by theย Herald Sun,ย Vunivalu is set to remain in the 15-man code and will join the French rugby union club La Rochelle. This means any chance of a return to the NRL competition has been shut.

One of the best wingers during his time in theย NRL and playing a key role in helping the Storm win two premierships in 2017 and 2020, he has been heavily linked with a return to the competition several times since his departure, with the latest being in October this year.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 08: Suliasi Vunivalu of the Storm runs with the ball during the round 18 NRL match between the Melbourne Storm and the Parramatta Eels at AAMI Park on July 8, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images)

Given his five-yearย NRL experience, the transition back to the sport would be smooth.

A couple of years ago,ย The Dolphinsย andย South Sydney Rabbitohsย were said to have a keen interest in his services after he was reportedly eyeing an exit from the Queensland Reds after one season.

The rumour mill would again pick up last year as he flirted with a potential return to theย NRLย before inking a new contract with Rugbyย Australia.

RELATED >>ย FIVE potential landing spots for Suliasi Vunivalu

Born inย Fiji, Vunivalu was recruited by the Storm at the young age of 18 after being an impressive standout in schoolboy rugby union, which included earning development team honours for the Super Rugby club, the Auckland Blues.

For the next two years with the Storm, he would represent their NYC Under 20s team.

From then, he would make hisย NRLย debut in Round 7 for the Storm against theย Wests Tigersย the following season in 2016- scoring a double on his debut.

His shortย NRLย career would include the following honours:

  • 2016:ย NRLย Most tries in a debut season (23)
  • 2016: Dally M Top Try Scorer (23)
  • 2016 Minor Premiership Winners
  • 2017:ย NRL- Most tries in first two seasons (46)
  • 2017: Dally M Top Try Scorer (23)
  • 2017 Minor Premiership Winners
  • 2017ย NRLย Grand Final Winners
  • 2018 World Club Challenge Winners
  • 2020ย NRLย Grand Final Winners