Melbourne forward Joe Chan is set to join North Queensland in 2027 after being granted an early release from the Storm. The versatile Chan was originally contracted until the end of the 2028 NRL season but has been given permission to leave Melbourne early, with Todd Payten’s Cowboys snapping up the 24-year-old on a two-year deal.
Chan began this season strongly after earning a starting back-row spot in the absence of Eli Katoa (brain surgery). But his form dipped and Chan eventually lost his starting edge role, with coach Craig Bellamy preferring Shawn Blore and Ativalu Lisati, and then Oryn Keeley after his mid-season switch from the Dolphins.
The Cowboys have confirmed the signing of Joe Chan (third from R) on a two-year deal from 2027 after he was granted an early release from the Melbourne Storm. Pic: Getty
Keeley’s impressive form will help soften the blow from Blore’s departure to Brisbane next season. And the former Dolphins back-rower could form a new-look edge combination with Katoa, who has been cleared by medical staff to resume wrestling and tackling training after missing the entire 2026 season.
Eels back-rower Kelma Tuilagi is set to join in 2027 and Bellamy has huge raps on young forward Cooper Clarke, who has featured regularly on an edge for Melbourne this year. The Storm have signed outside backs Bronson Xerri (Bulldogs) and Jamayne Isaako (Dolphins) for 2027, with the likes of Nick Meaney and Tyran Wishart (both Perth Bears), Davvy Moale (Sea Eagles) and Will Warbrick (Warriors) all set to depart at season’s end.
Cowboys snap up Joe Chan after release by Storm
Amid the major shake-up, Chan has also now been deemed surplus to requirements for Bellamy’s side in 2027. The 24-year-old has played 47 games for Melbourne since making his NRL debut with the club in 2023, filling in at centre on numerous occasions this season in a sign of his versatility.
Storm director of football Frank Ponissi wished Chan all the best after confirming news of his departure on Monday. “Joey has been a valuable member of our NRL squad over the past four years and has worked hard for his opportunities. He’s a versatile player who has played his role for the team on numerous occasions,” he said. “We’re thankful for Joey’s contribution to Storm and wish him the best with his move to Townsville.”
Joe Chan will swap Melbourne for North Queensland in 2027 after being granted an early release by the Storm. Pic: Getty
The Cowboys say Chan will bring an extra dimension to their forward pack next season after hailing his signing. “Joe is a bigger body, he’s athletic and can play both edge and middle, which gives us something a little different to what we currently have in our forward pack,” Cowboys recruitment manager Clint Zammit said.
“He is coming out of a strong system and has already gained valuable experience… We believe Joe is a great fit for the Cowboys and our style of football. At 24, we have no doubt his best football is still ahead of him, and we are really looking forward to having Joe join our club and seeing him continue to develop and reach his potential.”