New Melbourne fullback Sua Fa'alogo is ready to shine in the club's iconic No.1 jersey and he credits predecessor Ryan Papenhuyzen for helping him on his way.
Papenhuyzen stepped away from the NRL this year after starring at fullback in a 113-game Storm career that included the Clive Churchill Medal in the 2020 premiership win.
Before the Storm boasted the man known as "Paps" they fielded the greatest fullback of the modern era, Billy Slater.
Fa'alogo, 22, has scored 14 electrifying tries in his 22 NRL matches over three seasons and is signed until the end of 2028. The razzle-dazzle fullback will get a good crack at establishing himself
It was clear after the Storm's trial loss at Sunshine Coast Stadium on Saturday that they have a cult hero on their hands. When AAP spoke to Fa'alogo he was surrounded by young fans calling out, "Sua, Sua, Sua", as he signed autographs.
The pocket rocket spoke glowingly of the Papenhuyzen influence ahead of Thursday night's round-one clash with Parramatta at AAMI Park.
"Obviously it is big shoes to fill but I learned a lot from Paps," Fa'alogo said
"He has been a big influence in my footy journey as well. Without him I wouldn't be where I am in my career right now, and that goes for Billy Slater too. I still ask them questions and chat to them about where I can improve.
"Paps has told me just to be confident. I am still young and trying to learn the game, so I am asking the boys what I need to work on.
"My main goal this year is to work on my defence and my connection with our new spine."
Coach Craig Bellamy has also been crucial.
"He's a scary man to talk to but he's helping me a lot," Fa'alogo grinned.
Storm five-eighth Cameron Munster understands the expectation of playing No.1 at the club, having done so 58 times. He had the role for the majority of the 2015 and 2016 seasons when Slater was injured.
The greats of the game come and go, but Munster said there is always someone following in their footsteps. He has no doubt Fa'alogo will succeed, just as Slater and Papenhuyzen did.
"Sua is going to prove some people wrong this year," Munster told AAP.
"Everyone was worried about Billy Slater leaving and how no-one could fill his shoes. Then Paps came on the scene and now everyone is saying no-one can fill Paps' shoes.
"I think sometimes we have these expectations of players that come after that they can't do it, but Sua is a very confident kid with a lot of energy."
Munster said there was more to Fa'alogo's play than flair.
"We all know what he can do with the ball and you can see with the highlight reels how fast he is," Munster said.
"The little things that are so important he has been doing well for us … things like getting his numbers right and talking.
"It is just those effort areas that 'Bellyache' talks about in the team. He is starting to do those things for us. I am so excited to have him in our team and hopefully unleash the potential we know he has got. He is a very hungry kid and I am just looking forward to building a combination with him."
