Melbourne Storm NRL player Marika Koroibete has confirmed his code switch to rugby union, accepting a two-year deal with Super Rugby franchise, Melbourne Rebels.
The Fijian will link up with the Rebels from next season on a lucrative deal with the club and the Australian Rugby Union.
“It was a very hard decision to make to leave Storm, but it's a great opportunity for my young family here in Melbourne and my family back home in Fiji,” Koroibete said.
“While I have made the decision about next year, my focus is on finishing here at Storm in the best way, it's a tight group of players and hopefully we can have a good rest of the season.
“I am very excited about what we can do this season.”
The 23-year-old has played 41 games with the Storm and 57 NRL games in total, after beginning his career with Wests Tigers in 2012.
