Canberra Raiders sign Josiah Pahulu from Melbourne Storm, Digi Mart USA News (Australia): 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 release him from his deal as soon as possible.
According to ESPN in October, Pahulu wanted to move to Canberra to play more first-grade football. The New Zealand-born forward joined the Gold Coast Titans in 2023, working through the club’s pathways and playing for the Burleigh Bears before making 22 first-grade appearances for the Titans.
Pahulu left the Gold Coast Titans during the 2025 season to join Melbourne, months after a contract dispute that left him frustrated at the time. He has played only one game for the Storm since leaving the Titans.
Melbourne played him in 16 NSW Cup games this past season.
Chris Hutchison, the Raiders NRL Recruitment Manager, said Pahulu would be a valuable addition. “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 was named the 2024 Titans Rookie of the Year, but he has struggled to establish himself as a regular in first grade since that promising 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.
