The Melbourne Storm have locked in two of their most promising young talents with Hayden Watson and Jai Bowden both extending their contracts until 2030.
The pair made their NRL debuts in last week’s loss to the Bulldogs where Watson shone at halfback in place of the injured Jahrome Hughes, while Bowden came on and impressed at dummy-half.
The two 19-year-olds have both come through the Storm’s academy pathways program and are seem as long-term players for the club.
Watson, a Beaudesert Kingfishers junior, started the year playing SG Ball, graduated to NSW Cup, and was rewarded with his NRL debut.
The youngster was born in Geelong but raised in Queensland, with Watson named Storm’s 2026 SG Ball Player of the Year after they finished second in the regular season.
Scouts have been following him closely after his best on ground performance for Queensland in their under-19s Origin victory where he scored a try.
Watson looms as a genuine starting option if veteran Cameron Munster decides to leave the club at the end of the 2027 season, while Bowden has the best teacher in the world with Harry Grant there to help him develop.
Bowden has also starred in the junior ranks and was part of the Storm side that won the 2025 Jersey Flegg premiership.
”We’re thrilled to have Hayden and Jai extend their contracts with Storm,” director of football Frank Ponissi said.
“Both Hayden and Jai are talented young footballers with great characters and have exciting futures in Melbourne. We’re confident they’ll develop strongly in our system over the coming years.”
Originally published as NRL 2026: Melbourne Storm sign Hayden Watson, Jai Bowden until 2030