Melbourne Storm Forward Aaron Pene Among NRL Players Offered to English Clubs Ahead of Upcoming Season
Melbourne Storm forward Aaron Pene is among the NRL players offered to English clubs ahead of the upcoming season, as per information obtained by Love Rugby League.
Although the 28-year-old is currently under contract with the Storm for the 2024 season, clubs in the United Kingdom have been informed about the possibility of Pene being open to exploring a move to the UK.
Pene, who is in his second stint with Melbourne after rejoining from the New Zealand Warriors at the start of last year, had limited game-time with the Storm in 2023, making only eight appearances. With the potential for restricted playing opportunities again in 2024, the prospect of a move has been communicated to interested clubs.
Even prior to the recent relaxation of quota restrictions, allowing more southern hemisphere players to join English clubs, Pene’s NRL playing time makes him a viable candidate for a move.
Melbourne is attracting interest from Super League and Championship teams. Aaron Pene, a storm prop
Nevertheless, despite the expressed interest from Super League and Championship clubs, a significant obstacle arises due to the saturation of overseas quota slots in many top-flight teams.
Currently, only four Super League clubs have available spaces on their overseas quota: London Broncos, Salford Red Devils, Warrington Wolves, and St Helens. However, St Helens is poised to utilize their remaining slot for centre Waqa Blake, and Salford, still under special measures by the RFL, would need approval from the governing body for any new signings.
In contrast, Championship regulations are more lenient, and sources have indicated that some of the anticipated big spenders in the competition, including Featherstone Rovers, are actively seeking a forward to enhance their pack before the season commences.
Unlike their Super League counterparts, second-tier clubs face no restrictions on the number of overseas players they can include in their squad, providing them with more flexibility in recruitment.
