Melbourne Storm backrower Tohu Harris has returned home to his roots, back to where it all started.
Harris says, “It's always good getting home and seeing the family, me and my fiancé Natalie came back this time, spending time with family is always good.”
At the age of 16, he was picked up by the Storm.
Five years on, he's proven himself to be a valuable asset to the franchise.
So it's only natural that the recruitment team is casting its gaze to the Bay.
Academy Coach Tony Adam believes, “There's a lot of hidden gems here so from our perspective we decided that we would support Tohu and go back to his home area.”
The opportunity for Tohu to help out in providing a platform like this for young up-and-comers is his way of giving back to his hometown.
Harris says, “There's always been a lot of talent here in Hawke's Bay. It's good to see it on show.”
The Storm has scholarships available for two worthy boys who have been identified as the right match for the Storm.
However a decision on who they may be is yet to come.