Melbourne captain Harry Grant has penned a two-year contract extension, giving the Storm a timely boost as the club grapples with the shock exit of Ryan Papenhuyzen and the gutting news that Eliesa Katoa will not be available in 2026.
The Storm confirmed in a statement on Thursday that Grant had re-committed until the end of 2028.
In October, three weeks after Melbourne's second consecutive NRL grand final loss, Papenhuyzen quit the Storm with a year to run on his contract amid rumours of a looming switch to rebel rugby tournament R360.
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Melbourne was then dealt another blow this week when it was decided that Katoa would be sidelined for the 2026 season due to the three sickening head impacts he suffered in the Pacific Championships.
Grant, 27, said finalising an extension with Melbourne made for a "great feeling".
"I feel incredibly privileged to captain this club and wear the purple jersey in front of our members and fans every week," Grant said.
"This club has always been built on great people, and being at Storm, surrounded by them, brings out the best in me, both on and off the field.
"We have a great group of players, coaches and staff and a strong leadership team determined to push our club to bigger things in 2026."
Grant was 17 when Melbourne swooped, snapping up the gun Yeppoon product.
The Queenslander honed his craft under legendary hooker Cameron Smith in his early years at the Storm, then had a breakout year on loan in 2020 with Wests Tigers where he won the NRL's Rookie of the Year award.
He has played 120 NRL games and been the Storm's captain since the start of the 2024 season.
Storm chief executive Justin Rodski hailed Grant as "one of the best players in the NRL", an "outstanding leader" and a "tremendous ambassador" for the club.
"To have Harry commit to the club until 2028 is a massive boost, not just for our playing group, but for our entire organisation and our passionate members and fans," Rodski said.
"His determination to keep improving, be a role model for our younger players, and lead Storm toward sustained success makes him the ideal person to drive our club forward.
"We're delighted Harry will remain in purple until at least 2028."
Melbourne will begin its 2026 campaign against Parramatta at AAMI Park on March 5.
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