Storm forward let go to the Super League

The Storm could be on the hunt for a mid-season recruit after they granted Aaron Pene an immediate release from the club, with the prop forward headed to the English Super League after two stints with Melbourne.

Pene played 10 games for the Storm before he moved to the Warriors in 2022, with the forward returning last year where he played another eight games off the bench.

He played four games in the front row for the Sunshine Coast in the Queensland Cup this season, with Pene now heading north for more opportunities which opens up a roster spot should the Storm be looking for another middle forward.

“I’ve loved every minute of my time at this club. Every person at some point through my time here has had a positive impact on my football career and in my life outside,” Pene said.

“It’s never easy leaving a place you love and call home. I remember when I first arrived and the club saying that you need to be good people before being good footballers. That’s what makes this club so special.

“To the members and fans of this club, thank you for all your love and support and I wish nothing but the best to everyone in the future. I’m truly grateful to everyone here and will miss them all - from friends and work colleagues to family.”

Storm director of football Frank Ponissi said it was a tough call to let Pene go given clubs are desperate to have depth in the middle.

“While reluctant to release Aaron at this stage of the season, this was too good an opportunity for him to pass up,” he said.

“He will always be a member of our 2020 premiership squad when we relocated to Queensland through the trying Covid period.

“We know Aaron will add great value to his new club and wish him all the best for the future.”