From Olympic Silver to NRL Star: The Rise of Will Warbrick in Melbourne Storm

In a classic Melbourne Storm fashion, Will Warbrick has quickly risen to prominence as one of the NRL’s most dependable wingers. The 26-year-old Kiwi athlete made a name for himself in the world of rugby sevens before transitioning to rugby league.

Warbrick’s journey to the top started in his hometown of Kawerau, New Zealand, where he excelled in multiple sports during his school years. Surprisingly, his first taste of elite competition came in Australian rules football, representing the New Zealand national team in 2016. He later switched to rugby sevens and made his international debut in 2019.

The pinnacle of Warbrick’s career came at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, where he clinched a silver medal with his national team, falling short to Fiji in the gold medal match. Following his Olympic success, Warbrick made the switch to rugby league, honing his skills with the Sunshine Coast Falcons before earning a spot in the Melbourne Storm’s first team.

Despite only having 11 first-grade appearances under his belt, Warbrick’s impressive performances caught the eye of the Storm’s management, leading to a contract extension that will keep him at the club until the end of the 2026 season. Melbourne’s general manager of football, Frank Ponissi, praised Warbrick’s dedication and progress, highlighting his speed and strength on the field.

The transition from rugby sevens to rugby league is not uncommon, with other players like Lachy Miller also making successful switches. Warbrick’s story serves as a testament to hard work and perseverance, proving that with determination and the right support, athletes can achieve great heights in their chosen sport.