Tigers sign international star as confirmed instantaneous player swap with Storm: Center of Transfer
Shawn Blore will go to Melbourne and Justin Olam will go the other way on three-year contracts as part of a player swap agreement that the Tigers and Storm finalized.
The Wests Tigers released a statement saying, “We are happy to announce that Justin Olam, a former center for the Melbourne Storm, has joined the club on a three-year contract.”
The PNG international will join up with his new Wests Tigers teammates on Monday after being released from his contract with the Storm.
Olam, who won a premiership and was named the 2021 Dally M Centre of the Year, spent six seasons with the Storm, where he debuted in the NRL in 2018, scoring 46 tries in 104 games.
The 30-year-old made his Papua New Guinea international debut against Fiji in 2016 and has since played for his nation 14 times.
Benji Marshall, the head coach of the Wests Tigers, is thrilled to have Olam here.
Marshall remarked, “Justin is a world-class player who will bring plenty of experience to our team.”
He has competed at the greatest level and is a demonstrated winner.
His communication skills and leadership will be extremely beneficial to our club.
“We are pleased to have Justin and his family join the Wests Tigers family.”
Olam expresses excitement for the upcoming phase of his rugby league career.
Olam stated, “It’s so exciting to be here, and I was really impressed by Benji [Marshall] and his vision for me and the team.”
“I’m eager to work hard, gain the boys’ and coaches’ trust during training, and hopefully contribute to what the club is building.”
In the upcoming days, Shawn Blore, who was also given a contract release, will transfer from the Wests Tigers to the Melbourne Storm.
The 23-year-old forward missed the entire 2022 season due to injury, but in his four years with the Wests Tigers, he played in 33 games.
According to Marshall, Blore has contributed significantly to the team in recent years.
Marshall remarked, “We thank Shawn for his contribution to Wests Tigers and wish him all the best in his future endeavors.”
“Melbourne Storm and Wests Tigers have agreed on a player swap that will see Justin Olam and Shawn Blore trade jerseys for the start of the 2024 NRL season,” the Storm said in a statement. “In the second player transfer between the two clubs in recent years, Olam and Blore will begin training with their new teammates on Monday.” “He’s a great person and he’s developed some lifelong friendships in his time at our club.”
According to Storm CEO Justin Rodski, the two teams’ agreement will grant both players a new beginning in 2024.
“Juzzi is a wonderful person who is adored by the players, coaches, staff, and the Melbourne Storm members and supporters,” Rodski stated.
