Harry Grant has delivered a major boost to the Melbourne Storm by signing a new two-year extension that locks him in until the end of the 2028 NRL season.
The deal ends months of speculation around his long-term future, with several rival clubs monitoring his contract situation and preparing to test Melbourne’s resolve, along with rumours the Perth Bears were targeting the hooker as a marquee signing.
The Storm captain said he was relieved to have his future sorted and emphasised how much the club means to him on and off the field.
“I feel incredibly privileged to captain this club and wear the purple jersey in front of our members and fans every week. 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,” Grant stated.
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The Storm rake also made it clear that despite recent hurdles, the team would remain a contender and push for another premiership.
“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 stated confidently.
The extension arrives at a crucial time for Melbourne, who are working hard to retain their top-tier talent amid interest from rival clubs and outside competitions.
After Ryan Papenhuyzen was sensationally granted an immediate release from the Storm and star back-rower Eli Katoa was ruled out for the entire 2026 season, the club had been hard-pressed to find any positive news in recent weeks.
With coach Craig Bellamy heading into what is expected to be his final season in charge, as well as continued rumours that Cameron Munster will be heavily targeted by expansion clubs, some questioned whether this was the end of the Storm dynasty and if a mass exodus was looming.
Grant re-signing slams the brakes on that talk immediately and provides instant hope for the Storm’s ability to not only continue to contend but also re-sign more of their current roster down the track, such as Cameron Munster who is signed through the 2027 season.
At 27 years of age and in his prime as both Queensland and Australia’s number 9, the next few years could very well be the best of Grant’s career and will give him the chance to cement his place as one of the game’s great modern-era hookers having already spent over 100 games in the purple and gold.
Grant’s leadership has developed immensely over the past couple of seasons, a fact not lost on Storm officials who have highlighted his influence on the club’s younger players, many of whom have credited him for guiding them through their early NRL careers.
Despite the loss of Papenhuyzen, the Storm have now retained their hooker in Grant and their halfback in Jahrome Hughes in the last few months, so they have managed to keep three of their four spine players intact for at least the next two seasons— a critical feat for any team aiming to remain among the NRL’s elite.
For Storm fans, the announcement provides some much-needed positive news, along with relief and renewed hope as the club prepares to launch into the 2026 campaign with one of the competition’s best players leading the charge.