The lights were bright at Northern Thunder on Tuesday April 29– but it wasn’t just the floodlights.
The smiles of junior players lit up the evening as Melbourne Storm’s Sualauvi Fa’alogo returned to where it all began.
Once just another eager kid with big dreams, Fa’alogo has quickly become one of the NRL’s most exciting young prospects.
After back-to-back Feeder Player of the Year awards in 2022 and 2023, he made his long-awaited Storm debut in round 27 against the Broncos– a moment that marked the beginning of what many predict will be a dazzling first-grade career.
Now, the proud Northern Thunder junior is giving back.
“I am a proud Northern Thunder boy and grew up close by with my family,” Fa’alogo said.
“I’m proud of being from Melbourne and having Northern Thunder as my junior club. I loved playing my footy here and it’s awesome to be here giving back to the community where I’m from.”
His connection with the club is more than nostalgic– it’s foundational.
“Northern Thunder have always supported me through my journey to senior footy. I always have their support, and they always send me good luck messages before games and support me through the ups and downs. It’s awesome to have them supporting me and I’m very proud of my connection with my home club.”
Fa’alogo knows what his presence means to the next generation.
“Getting the opportunity to watch them train and help the kids with their footy was great and important for our community here in Melbourne,” he said.
“Having Storm players out with the local community clubs this week will make a huge difference to the kids and hopefully inspire them to want to play for the Storm and have a career in the NRL.”
And for Fa’alogo, it’s more than a visit–it’s a duty.
“Connection to our local clubs is very important to all Storm players. We have a responsibility as players to inspire the next generation and the junior kids. Tuesday night was a great thing for us to do, it brings us back to grassroots footy and reminds us of where it all started.”
