Every player needs fringe players to come in and do a job and the Melbourne Storm had that when Chris Lewis, Aaron Pene, and Issac Lumelume were given their chance.
The trio has now been rewarded for making the most of the opportunity, with all three re-signing at the Storm.
Chris Lewis, who was on the Storm’s development list has re-signed for two more seasons and will be promoted to the full-time squad.
Both Issac Lumelume and Aaron Pene have taken up their one-year options with the Storm for 2021.
Lewis, who is a schoolteacher by trade, made his NRL debut with the Storm earlier this year at 28.
Melbourne Storm General Manager of Football Frank Ponissi praised the trio and their hard work.
“As well as being very diligent and valuable contributors at each training session in what has been a challenging 2020, Chris, Isaac, and Aaron all showed they had potential for more games in the NRL when they were given their chance this year,” Ponissi said.
“It hasn’t been an easy road to the NRL for all three of them and we are seeing the benefits they’re receiving from being part of the Storm system.”
As the 2021 season nears, the club believes the trio will play an even bigger role moving forward.
“We’re very hopeful each of them will have an even bigger role to play in 2021 and beyond.
“It’s also clear that the time they have spent with our feeder teams – Isaac and Aaron with Easts Tigers and Chris with the Falcons – has helped them to be well prepared for the step up to the NRL.”
