26-05-2025
Storm sign Titans young gun until end of 2027
Melbourne's shrewd recruitment strategy has come to the fore again with Gold Coast prop Josiah Pahulu to join the premiership heavyweights on a two-year deal.
The 21-year-old was the Titans' 2024 rookie of the year after a breakout season and is regarded as one of the NRL's most promising young forwards.
He will join the club this week and his deal includes the rest of this year and through until the end of 2027.
Gold Coast did try to extend Pahulu beyond this year but were unable to do so. The young gun has played just three games off the bench in 2025 after several concussions impacted his availability earlier in the season.
He featured in 19 games last year but did not get a contract bonus for playing a 20th after he was rested late in the season. AAP understands the Titans did offer to pay the bonus as part of an extension offer but his management sought a release, which was granted.
"The club and Pahulu have been in discussions for some time but were unable to reach an agreement," the Titans said in a statement.
"In the best interests of both parties, Pahulu has been granted a release effective immediately."
Pahulu will add starch to a middle forward rotation that already includes Josh King, Tui Kamikamica, Nelson Asofa-Solomona and Stefano Utoikamanu.
Storm general manager of football Frank Ponissi said the Auckland-born and Queensland-raised Pahulu was an exciting addition to the roster.
"Josiah is a talented young footballer and an impressive individual," Ponissi said.
"He's a dynamic young forward who has already shown impressive potential early in his NRL career. We're confident he'll make a strong impact and be a valuable addition to the talented group of emerging middle forwards in our squad and coming through our pathways program.
"We're excited to see what Josiah can achieve in Melbourne and delighted to welcome him to the club."
