Melbourne Storm's telling move after Samoa gun's freakish debut against Kangaroos

Following the stellar debut of rookie fullback Sualauvi Faalogo the Storm are set to double his contract before next season. The young Samoan made his Test debut against Australia and did not look out of place, racking up 63 metres from 14 carries, producing 11 tackle busts, an offload and a linebreak.

Australia ran out comfortable 38-12 victors in the Pacific Championships opener but it was Faalogo's debut that caught the attention. The 20-year-old made his NRL debut against the Broncos in Round 27, scoring twice and looks to have a bright future ahead of him.

'DON'T SEE A NEED': Twist in Luai contract saga after Panthers admission

BACKLASH: Kangaroos players caught in national anthem debate

He is currently on a development list contract and earns $60,000 a year, but that’s set to at least double in 2024 as the Storm look to upgrade him into the side's top 30. Storm's general manager Frank Ponissi told Fox Sports the young gun is locked down to the club, with an option to extend until 2025 in his contract.

“We plan for him to be in our top 30 (next year). He is a star, but an even better young man,” Ponissi said. Prior to his debut Samoa coach Ben Gardiner said Faalogo has maturity beyond his years.

“He’s not the young guy who stands back and doesn’t say anything," Ponissi said. "He’s the guy who is prepared to talk when needed to talk and do his job when he is needed to do his job. That’s the type of commitment we’ve had amongst the group all week."

“I said to the guys that no one sits lower than anyone else – we are all equal. If you are in the Test side you need to step up and Sua is one of those guys that has really done that for us. The energy he brings is unbelievable.”

Parker questions his future at Melbourne

NRL great turned commentator Corey Parker has questioned how the youngster will be able to break into the team at the Storm. Ryan Papenhuyzen, Xavier Coates, Will Warbrick, Nick Meaney, Reimis Smith and Dean Ieremia all likely sit ahead of the Samoan youngster in the pecking order, making it a hard task to crack the side.

“Let’s just put this into perspective, he’s played one NRL game against a depleted Broncos side at Suncorp Stadium, he came off the bench and absolutely changed the game and lit the stadium up,” Parker said. “He’s now gone on to the big stage against the greatest players that Australia can pick and he’s absolutely held his own.

"This guy here has certainly announced himself, the question is where does he play for Melbourne? He’s an unbelievable talent and we’ve seen what he can do but he’s behind so many good players.”

Sign up to our newsletter and score the biggest sport stories of the week.