Koroibete released to the Storm

WESTS TIGERS STATEMENT

Wests Tigers have today released winger Marika Koroibete immediately to join the Melbourne Storm.

Koroibete will take up an opportunity with the Storm for the remainder of this year through until the end of the 2016 season.

The 21-year-old has played at total of 16 NRL matches for Wests Tigers since making his debut in Round 21 of the 2012 season.

"I'm happy that Marika has his future sorted," Wests Tigers Head Coach Mick Potter said. "I am sad to see him go but he has been presented with an opportunity to secure a position in first grade at Melbourne.

"It has been tough this year for Marika with limited opportunities here behind current wingers Pat Richards and David Nofoaluma.

"Obviously we would like to keep all players but unfortunately salary cap constraints make this impossible," he said. "I wish Marika all the best in his future endeavours and thank him for everything that he has done here at the Wests Tigers."

MELBOURNE STORM STATEMENT

Melbourne Storm has signed Wests Tigers flyer Marika Koroibete for the remainder of this season and for an additional two years.

The Club commenced discussions with the Fijian-born international recently for a mid-season transfer after suffering significant injuries to its outside backs.

The 22-year old winger is known for his electrifying speed and ability to find the tryline. Making his debut in 2012, Koroibete has scored 12 tries in 16 first grade appearances. He won the Tigers 2012 Rookie of the Year award.

Melbourne Storm Football Director Frank Ponissi said the signing of Koroibete was a welcome addition to the Club's NRL squad.

"An opportunity came up to bolster our depth to our outside backs and with limited chances at the Tigers this season, we saw Marika as an exciting talent who was coming off contract at the end of the season," Ponissi said.

"Marika has displayed outstanding form in the NSW Cup, he is the leading try scorer of the competition with 15 and we see his signing as adding strength to our roster."

Koroibete will commence with Melbourne Storm immediately.