With Melbourne Storm losing superstar back-rower Eliesa Katoa for the 2026 season after his head injury sustained representing Tonga, all eyes have been on who will replace him in Melbourne next year.
The Storm this coming season not only needed to replace Katoa, but are also reeling from losses of Jonah Pezet, Nelson Asofa-Solomona and Ryan Papenhuyzen.
Whilst it has widely been expected they would use young tearaway and Samoan international Ativalu Lisati in Katoa's right-edge role, they have still been looking to replace Katoa’s spot in their 30-man squad.
Receiving compensation of up to $600k from the NRL to replace Katoa under the league’s guidelines, the Storm have now reportedly decided to add former Newcastle firebrand Jack Hetherington, according to CODE Sports.
The Storm have been assessing ways to strengthen their middle rotation for 2026, with the former Knights prop a high-impact forward capable of adding power and aggression and will come across one a one year deal.
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Hetherington also offer experience, making his NRL debut in 2018 and playing 96 NRL games along with 33 NSW Cup matches.
The 29 year-old has built a reputation as one of the NRL’s most physical forwards, bringing intensity, line speed and heavy contact that Melbourne believe will thrive under Craig Bellamy.
Hetherington is a very different player to Katoa, nut if Lisati wins the right-edge role and continues to impress, the Storm may have gone a long way toward stabilising their forward pack for 2026.
Hetherington's arrival is expected to bolster a Storm pack that has gradually transitioned in recent seasons as Melbourne work to maintain their trademark defensive standards.
Melbourne had been seeking an experienced middle forward to stabilise their bench rotation, with Hetherington’s ability to play prop or lock making him a clear fit for the role.
The knock on Hetherington throughout his career has always been his discipline, with several stints on the sideline for send-offs compounded by numerous suspensions.
Coach Craig Bellamy, and the Storm as a whole, have prided themselves on reshaping players’ careers, and there is a chance a stint in Melbourne is exactly what Hetherington needs to realise his potential and revive his NRL future.
Whilst no one player can replace the impact Katoa has, Hetherington may very well end up a bargain buy for the Storm in a signing that could work out perfectly for both club and player.