‘Storm stint gave me back my spark’

WESTS Tigers winger David Nofoaluma says his six games with the Storm last season helped reignite his passion for rugby league and inspired him to pass on the lessons he learnt there as the Tigers look to climb off the bottom of the ladder in 2023.

The 2020 Dally M Winger of the Year joined Melbourne on loan in August as Craig Bellamy’s side struggled with an outside back injury crisis.

The chance came at the perfect time for Nofoaluma, who was struggling for motivation after nine years in the NRL without playing finals.

“I’d lost interest in the game, to be honest … I’d lost interest,” the 29-year-old said, adding that the idea of a move to Melbourne came from him.

“I was the one that mentioned it to Sheensy (Tim Sheens),” he said. “My headspace wasn’t where I wanted it to be.”

It didn’t take long for Nofoaluma to find the spark.

“Day one, I met Billy (Slater) and he told me some key pointers and they just made me feel like a Melbourne Storm player, even though I’d just gotten there,” he said.

As hard as it was to move on after his Storm stint, Nofoaluma said his taste of Melbourne had reignited the fire within him at Concord.

Now 29, and one of the more senior members of a Tigers squad that welcomes in a host of experienced players this season, Nofoaluma wants to repay the faith the Tigers showed in him when he left for Melbourne last year.

“I think I’ve matured a lot as a player,” he said. “It might’ve taken me a bit longer but it really helped going down to Melbourne.

“It worked out in my favour and it helped Melbourne. Now that I’m back, I think the Tigers can see that it benefits everyone as well.

“I’m excited to start over again and put my best foot forward for the Wests Tigers.”