Canberra Raiders signing Josiah Pahulu from Melbourne Storm, Digi Mart USA News: The Canberra Raiders have confirmed they have signed Melbourne Storm forward Josiah Pahulu to a one-year deal for the 2027 season. Pahulu was in the final year of his contract with the Storm, but the club wanted to buy him out as soon as possible.
According to ESPN in October, Pahulu wanted to make the move to Canberra to play more first-grade football. The New Zealand-born forward joined the Gold Coast Titans in 2023, working his way through the pathways and playing for the Burleigh Bears before appearing in 22 first-grade games for the club.
The front rower left the Titans during the 2025 season to join Melbourne, months after a contract dispute that left Pahulu furious at the time. He has played only one game for the Storm since leaving the Gold Coast, and he played 16 NSW Cup games for the club this past season.
Chris Hutchison, the Raiders NRL Recruitment Manager, believes Pahulu will be a great addition to the club. “Josiah is an explosive young forward, and we’re excited to see what he can bring to the Canberra Raiders,” Hutchison said in the club’s statement.
“He’s a big, mobile front-rower who has shown plenty of ability so far in his early career. We have a strong crop of young forwards here at the Raiders, and Josiah will only add to that.”
Melbourne Storm also released a statement confirming Pahulu’s departure. “Melbourne Storm has confirmed the departure of prop Josiah Pahulu, who has joined the Canberra Raiders with immediate effect,” the club said.
“Melbourne Storm thanks Josiah for his contribution to the purple jersey and wishes him all the best for the next chapter of his career in Canberra.”
Pahulu, the 2024 Titans Rookie of the Year, struggled to become a mainstay in first grade after a promising 2024 season with the Queensland-based club. The Raiders have also signed Lipoi Hopoi from the Bulldogs and Jaiyden Hunt from the Brisbane Broncos, as the club lost Corey Horsburgh and Morgan Smithies to the Perth Bears and Josh Papalii to retirement.
Reports surfaced in October that the Storm would pay almost half of Pahulu’s salary for the 2027 season.
