Moses Leo has gone from Auckland park football to Melbourne NRL debutant in the space of two rugby league games – with a taste of Paris Olympics competition during the five years in between.
One of the NRL’s more unusual stories, Leo got his chance in Sunday’s win over Manly with the Storm already running out of backline troops early in the season.
His stint prompted Craig Bellamy to declare afterwards Melbourne may have unearthed another talent, with the rugby sevens convert slotting in at right centre.
A cross-code talent growing up, Leo had chances to play Holden Cup in Australia but opted to remain in New Zealand and focus on rugby union.
His last season in league was late last decade for Northcote Tigers in the Auckland Rugby League, effectively picking up a pocket money after rugby union season finished.
“That’s pretty much why I did it,” Leo said.
“The footy wasn’t the best, but there was a good culture around it and I loved the game and it was always fun.
“Five years later I hunted the opportunity for a league deal, to see if any of the league teams would be keen. I had a bit of interest and ended up landing here.”
Keen to come to Australia following last year’s Olympics with family in Queensland, Leo followed the footsteps of fellow Kiwi sevens player Will Warbrick to the Storm.
The 27-year-old was clear on why he joined the club.
“I chose Melbourne because it’s a dynasty,” Leo said “If I wanted to be successful and maximise my potential, I knew this is the place I could do it.
“I didn’t come here expecting to play. I came here expecting to grow and get better as a person and hopefully that translates onto the field as well.”
Leo said there were obvious skills he could bring from sevens, along with the experience of backing up on plays, staying alive on offloads and chasing in defence.
But his debut still couldn’t have come in more difficult circumstances, given pre-season injury meant his rugby league return only came eight days earlier for North Sydney in NSW Cup.
Melbourne could have reshuffled their side with a backrower at centre ahead of Leo against Manly, but he won the backing of Jahrome Hughes and Cameron Munster after training with them.
“The boys know I probably need a little bit more chat than what they’re used to. They were switched on to that,” Leo said.
Jahrome Hughes makes a break. (Photo by Jeremy Ng/Getty Images)
“I’ve found language probably the hardest thing, just how they speak … But if I need to slow it down, they’re really receptive to that.
“If I have any questions they’re answering them and that made me feel at home.
“I was really confident to express myself out there and just play with intuition and not think too much.”
Meanwhile, Manly forward Corey Waddell is set to receive a two-game ban for a high shot on Storm playmaker Tyran Wishart in the late stages of Sunday’s match.
© AAP