The Storm have become involved in their second three-way club move of the off-season after they signed Davvy Moale for a season before he links up with Manly in 2027.
It’s an almost identical deal to the one involving former Storm player Jonah Pezet who will join Parramatta for a year before he heads to the Broncos in 2027.
Moale was granted an immediate release by the Rabbitohs following five seasons with the club, with the prop forward to head to Melbourne for a year.
The news comes just months after he agreed to join the Sea Eagles on a three-year deal starting in 2027, with suggestions he could have joined them sooner.
But he’ll head to Melbourne instead, with the Storm adding more depth to their pack following the loss of Nelson Asofa-Solomona to boxing, while superstar edge forward Eli Katoa will miss the 2026 season as he continues to recover from brain surgery.
They have already recruited Jack Hetherington and recently re-signed Ativalu Lisati, with Moale to provide them with more starch in the middle.
“We’re really pleased to be bringing Davvy into our ranks for 2026. He is a powerful forward who will complement our current group of forwards well,” Storm director of football Frank Ponissi said.
“Davvy’s first-grade experience will be important to add after having a number of young forwards promoted from our Pathways system.
“We’ve had success with short term deals in the past and know Davvy will apply himself in our system for the time he is here and be a real asset in 2026.”
Moale played 70 games for Souths after making his NRL debut back in 2021, but the Cook Islands representative never became the dominant force that people expected.
His departure could free up some cash as they look to retain rep star Keaon Koloamatangi who has attracted huge offers from rival clubs.
“Davvy and his management came to us seeking a release from his contract to take up an opportunity at another club, before he heads to the Sea Eagles in 2027, and we have granted that release,” Rabbitohs chief executive Blake Solly said.
“We have enjoyed working with Davvy for a number of seasons now and we wish him the best of luck into the future. He will always be regarded as a South Sydney Rabbitoh.”
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