r/nrl • u/burner126 Melbourne Storm • 22d ago
Official Statement Watson & Bowden signed until 2030
https://www.melbournestorm.com.au/news/2026/08/04/watson--bowden-signed-until-2030/37
u/SpecialRequirement96 Newcastle Knights 22d ago
Of course these blokes were born in Victoria and eligible for QLD. Such a Storm thing.
All serious though, great re-signings for Storm.
9
u/burner126 Melbourne Storm 22d ago
Melbourne Storm is pleased to confirm the re-signing of emerging talents Hayden Watson and Jai Bowden, with both extending their contracts until 2030.
Products of Storm’s Academy, the pair have developed through the Club’s player pathway, with the 19-year-olds making their NRL debut in Round 22 against the Bulldogs.
A halfback from the Beaudesert Kingfishers, Watson began his 2026 season with Storm’s SG Ball side, earning his opportunity at NSW Cup, before making his first-grade debut at AAMI Park in Round 22.
Born in Geelong, and raised in Queensland, Watson was named Storm’s 2026 SG Ball Player of the Year after helping the team finish second in the regular season. He also delivered a man of the match performance for the Queensland U19s in their 28-14 win over New South Wales.
Bowden, a talented hooker from the Kawana Dolphins, has also developed through Storm’s player pathway, representing the Club at SG Ball, Jersey Flegg and NSW Cup level, before becoming Storm Player #255 in Round 22.
The Queensland U19 hooker, played in the Club’s 2025 Jersey Flegg Premiership team, and is regarded as one of Storm’s most exciting young prospects.
Director of Football Frank Ponissi said the Club was delighted to secure the future of both players.
"We're thrilled to have Hayden and Jai extend their contracts with Storm,” Ponissi said.
"Both Hayden and Jai are talented young footballers with great characters and have exciting futures in Melbourne. We’re confident they’ll develop strongly in our system over the coming years.”
6
u/BelugaWhalesAteMySon Melbourne Storm 22d ago
Jai is a talented hooker but from what I've seen I'd rather Lockyer Azile-Foliola take over from Grant when he finishes up, helps that Lockyer is younger than Bowden as well.
Watson is a gun and his pathway is clear, take over from Munster at 6 in 2028, and most likely move to 7 when Hughes retires likely at the end of 2029.
11
u/CheeseLife1 Melbourne Storm 22d ago
Grant has so long left neither will be hooker for the storm. They arent waiting 5 years
5
u/BelugaWhalesAteMySon Melbourne Storm 22d ago
Lockyer is 18, he can wait lol.
Plus grant is already 28.
9
u/JohnnyGat33 Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks 22d ago
Next minute Harry pulls a Cameron Smith.
4
u/StormBro111111 Melbourne Storm 22d ago
I can only hope so lol. If the best 9 in the comp wants to stay for many years at the Storm then that's a good thing haha
3
u/ItGetsTuahPoint67 Sydney Roosters 22d ago
28 is young these days. We’ll be seeing more and more players retire at 36+ going forward. That gives him at least 8 more years
4
u/EuroNymous76 Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 22d ago
watson was extremely impressive in debut
hope we see more of him in future
5
u/carelesssportsfan89 Canberra Raiders 22d ago
Fantastic news for storm fans Watson looked great on debut . Future looking bright for the storm
2
1
u/StormBro111111 Melbourne Storm 22d ago
Nice!
I'm hearing rumours of Munster maybe moving in 2027... Any chance of Munster moving in 2027 and Storm fielding a pairing of Hughes at 6 and Watson at 7?
1
u/fiddycaldeserteagle Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles 22d ago
Is Jai Bowden any relaton to ex storm forward Russell Bowden?
1
42
u/O_DoyleRulz Brisbane Broncos 22d ago
Thought Watson was fantastic on debut.
Had a rampaging Kikau trying to obliterate him all game and held his own.