Melbourne Rebels wing departs for another shot at NRL in full circle career move
Young Tonumaipea's career has come full circle with the winger landing back at the Melbourne Storm.
The 29-year-old had his first training with the Storm on Wednesday having switched from playing with their AAMI Park neighbours, the Melbourne Rebels, in the Super Rugby Pacific competition.
Victorian-born Tonumaipea played five seasons and 43 games with the Storm between 2014 and 2018 before taking a two-year sabbatical to complete a Mormon mission.
He returned to the NRL to play 10 games with the Gold Coast in 2020.
He joined the Rebels in 2021 and played two seasons, scoring the match-winning try in their 2022 season finale against the Highlanders.
With the Rebels season ending last month he said he contacted Storm coach Craig Bellamy to see if they needed any extra bodies.
Able to play wing or in the centres, he has been offered a train and trial contract.
"When I left Melbourne midway through 2018, I thought that was the last time I'd be wearing purple," Tonumaipea said.
"It's funny how the world works sometimes - it's done a full circle and I'm back where it started."
Tonumaipea said given the Rebels campaign had just ended he was in good shape to push for another NRL recall.
"I'm buzzing, ready to go, and keen to finish the year off with the lads here.
"It's good to be back amongst some of the boys that I grew up with."
Tonumaipea said he wasn't sure whether his future lay in the NRL or rugby.
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In the fine tradition of Irish rugby, Leinster cheat well and for some reason only known to whoever referees them, they are allowed to get away with it every single game. If teams have not got the physicality up front to stop them getting the ball, they will win every single game. They take out players beyond the ruck and often hold them on the ground. Those that are beyond the ruck and therefore offside, hover there to cause distraction but also to join the next ruck from the side thereby stopping the jackal. The lineout prior to the second try on Saturday. 3 Leinster players left the lineout before the ball was thrown and were driving the maul as soon as the player hit the ground and thereby getting that valuable momentum. They scrummage illegally, with the looshead turning in to stop the opposing tighthead from pushing straight and making it uncomfortable for the hooker. The tighthead takes a step and tries to get his opposite loosehead to drop the bind. Flankers often ‘move up’ and actually bind on the prop and not remain bound to the second row. It does cause chaos and is done quickly and efficiently so that referees are blinded by the illegal tactics. I am surprised opposition coaches when they meet referees before games don’t mention it. I am also surprised that they do not go to the referees group and ask them to look at the tactics used and referee them properly. If they are the better team and win, fair play but a lot of their momentum is gained illegally and therefore it is not a level playing field.
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