Storm career over: Star in tears following brutal injury in Roosters loss

Will Warbrick’s time at the Melbourne Storm has come to an almost certain end after the star winger was forced from the field on a medicab with a suspected ruptured achilles in last night’s 14-6 loss to the Sydney Roosters.

Read more 2026 World Matchplay of Darts first round predictions and previews: 6 seeds heading home early?

The 28-year-old kiwi international, who will join the New Zealand Warriors in 2027, was in tears as he left Allianz Stadium on a wet night that also likely hosed down the Storm’s fading NRL final hopes.

The non-contact injury happened in the 25th minute of the Round 20 match with Warbrick immediately clutching for his left leg as he was wrong-footed by Billy Smith as the Roosters scored their second try.

Greg Alexander described the injury as ‘heartbreaking’ in commentary for Fox League, summing up the thoughts of league fans everywhere as Warbrick sat dejectedly on the sideline.

MORE: Laurie Daley lifts lid on 2026 Origin campaign, NSW future in tell-all interview

If the achilles rupture is confirmed as expected, the star winger faces a long rehabilitation to be ready for the 2027 NRL season with the Wahs and will also miss the 2026 Rugby League World Cup.

Read more Lowest ever: Aussie rockets into British Open lead with 62-shot stunner

A former All Blacks rugby sevens Olympian, Warbrick is one of the best finishers in the NRL when fit but has dealt with a string of injury setbacks in recent seasons, including missing most of 2025 through complications relating to concussions.

He has scored 52 tries in 72 appearances for Melbourne since joining the club in 2023.

Warbrick’s injury is the latest in a series of brutal setbacks for the Storm in 2026 who continue to be without Xavier Coates (Achilles), Eli Katoa (brain bleed) and Tui Kamikamica (stroke). 

Cameron Munster (knee) and Jahrome Hughes (hamstring) were also absent from the Round 20 Roosters loss, with Munster still weeks away from a return after undergoing surgery this week.

With seven rounds until the NRL finals the Storm sit 10th on the NRL ladder, two wins outside the top eight.

Read more Smartest World Cup transfers: Eight 2026 stars who would be a steal in the market, from Ayoub Bouaddi to Rodri