Melbourne Storm has resigned five players; Nelson Asofa-Solomona (until the end of 2023), Jarhome Hughes (2021), Scott Drinkwater (2020), Justin Olam (2020), and Kayleb Milne (2020).
Even though Asofa-Solomona had another year on his contract, the Kiwi international has extended his contract for another four years.
The 22-year-old has been improving week by week and is now considered one of the best front rowers in the competition.
Asofa-Solomona has played his best season so far by averaging career best running meters, tackle breaks, and tackles made.
Hughes has also extended his contract for another two years.
The 23-year-old stepped in for the injured Billy Slater throughout the year in the fullback position and in the halves. He played 11 games as injury forced him back out of the side.
After both Drinkwater and Olam made their debuts this year, they have also re-signed for another two years. The pair both played at feeder level.
Drinkwater won the Cooper Cronk Medal at the Storm's best and fairest night as the Club's feeder Player of the Year. In his debut game, Drinkwater scored a try, ran for 173 meters and had a team high eight tackle breaks.
Milne is another who has signed for two years after playing well for the Victorian Thunderbolts which saw him get selected in the Junior Kiwis squad.
Frank Ponissi, Storm Football Director, is excited about all five players recommitting to the club.
"We are proud of how far Nelson has come as a player and as a person over the last 18 months, what he can achieve over the next five years in the purple jersey is incredibly exciting and we have no doubt he will continue to work hard to ensure he makes the most of his exciting potential," Ponissi told melbournestorm.com.au.
"Jahrome took his NRL opportunity with both hands in 2018 which should give him a great deal of confidence heading into next year and we are excited to see him push for a regular spot in the 17.
"The same goes for Scott and Justin who, while being limited with their NRL chance this year, showed terrific signs at feeder level which makes us excited with what they can both achieve at this Club over the next two years. Kayleb is also a player we see as part of the future of Melbourne Storm who is working hard to take the next step in his development."