Will Warbrick, Melbourne’s successful sevens rugby player, has backed Moses Leo to make an equally smooth transition to the NRL, provided a code switch can be completed.
The Storm signed Olympic silver medallist Warbrick following his appearance with New Zealand at the Tokyo Games, and the 26-year-old winger has since developed into a key part of the team’s back line over the course of two seasons and 43 top-flight games.
As the curtain falls on the Paris Olympics, the Storm have put out feelers to gauge Leo’s interest in following in his countryman’s footsteps.
The 27-year-old fits the same criteria as Warbrick: he is a tall, physically strong winger who has now helped New Zealand reach the knockout rounds of the Olympic Games. The Kiwis were knocked out in the quarter-finals in Paris by eventual bronze medallists South Africa.
The Storm could use some more depth at full-back after saying goodbye to Justin Olam, Reimis Smith and George Jennings in the past twelve months.
Warbrick believes they could be on the winning side with Leo, a 2022 Commonwealth Games bronze medallist.
“I know Moses quite well,” he said.
“He’s a great rugby sevens player, a great rugby union player, a great sportsman and an even better guy. Whatever he decides to do, I’m sure he will shine.
“He has a great work ethic, great talent and if he can come here that would be good, but we’ll see what happens.”
It was Warbrick’s defensive talent that first caught the eye of Storm recruiting chief Paul Bunn at the Tokyo Games, but Leo could bring other skills as well.
“He’s a dynamic guy, a great athlete, with a lot of speed and skill. He can offload well and has good footwork, so he’s a damaging runner,” Warbrick said.
“If you have those qualities, I’m sure you’ll do well in the NRL. I can’t compare him to anyone, but he’s a talent.”
Having spent the entire 2022 season recovering from injuries and adjusting to his new sport, Warbrick knows firsthand that patience is required when switching codes.
And under Melbourne maestro Craig Bellamy, nothing is guaranteed.
“I’m not going to say he’s (definitely) going to come in and set the world on fire. Maybe he will, who knows, but he’s got good character,” Warbrick said.
“He’s a disciplined guy who works hard. If you have those qualities, you’ll be successful in whatever you do. Personally, I think he’ll shine here. He’ll fit in and that’s the main thing.”
