Wests Tigers have today reached a historic agreement with the Melbourne Storm that will see the club sign Storm-contracted hooker Harry Grant for the 2020 NRL season.
In return, Wests Tigers-contracted centre Paul Momirovski will join Melbourne effective immediately, with both players to then return to their respective contracted clubs at the end of the 2020 season.
Wests Tigers are currently in negotiations with Momirovski for the 2021 season and beyond.
Following approval from the NRL, the loan deal will take place with immediate effect for both clubs with Grant eligible to play for Wests Tigers this week.
While commonplace in other sports, the arranged deal between two clubs is unusual in rugby league and highlights an innovative approach to the player market by Wests Tigers and the Storm.
Both players will also be eligible for selection when Wests Tigers face Melbourne in Round 16.
Wests Tigers General Manager – Football Adam Hartigan officially welcomed Grant to the club, and thanked Melbourne for their role in negotiations with the loan deal.
“On behalf of all at the club, I’d like to welcome Harry to Wests Tigers and thank Paul for his efforts since joining the club in 2019,” Hartigan said. “Paul is a fine young man and has made a strong impact on his teammates and coaches alike since joining Wests Tigers.
“I’d like to thank Melbourne for their role in helping this deal take place and for being like-minded in their innovative approach to rugby league.
Harry Grant joins Wests Tigers
“The arrival of Harry now gives us a specialist hooker in our roster following the retirement of Robbie Farah and the injury sustained by Jacob Liddle,” Hartigan added. “While we are excited for the future of Jake Simpkin and a number of young players on our roster, this deal now allows us to significantly strengthen our side while not troubling our future roster.
“I have no doubt Harry will develop greatly under the coaching of Michael Maguire and we look forward to him contributing to our on-field success in the coming year.”
Grant joins Wests Tigers after an impressive season in the Intrust Super Cup competition in 2019 where he registered 14 tries, 21 try assists, 18 linebreaks and 22 linebreak assists in 22 games.
