Vodafone Warriors-bound Tohu Harris was among the Storm's best players in their NRL grand final win over North Queensland at ANZ Stadium last night.
The 25-year-old Hastings-born-and-raised back rower made a huge impact on Melbourne's left edge to set the tone for a dominant team performance, the Storm cruising to a 34-6 victory over a battle-weary Cowboys side.
While the focus was typically on Melbourne's vaunted axis of Cameron Smith, Cooper Cronk and Billy Slater, Harris was a constant threat out wide.
Of his display - rated a 9/10 - nrl.com said: "Was the best forward on the paddock in the opening 40 minutes with 85 metres and a steamrolling effort to bust through the Cowboys' defensive line. Had a small break in the second but maintained the rage upon his return to the field, setting up Addo-Carr with a long pass for his second."
Signed by the Vodafone Warriors on a four-year deal from next season, the 1.95m, 110kg forward finished his 117th and final match for the Storm with a quality 74 minutes on the field.
From 10 runs he made 113 metres from 10 runs, finished with more tackles - 43 - than any player from either sides and supplied a line break as well as a try assist for Josh Addo-Carr's second touchdown in the 73rd minute.
Harris ended an injury-affected fifth season with the Storm with three tries in 14 appearances, averaging 12.9 runs, 116.6 metres and 30.6 tackles a game. It was the 76th win of his career and his second straight grand final appearance (in last year's loss to Cronulla he made 16 runs, 128 metres and 46 tackles) while it was his 11th finals match in all.
His attention will now switch to selection for the Kiwis' campaign for Rugby League World Cup 2017, an event that will have special significance for him after he was initially selected for the 2013 World Cup but was then controversially replaced by Sonny Bill Williams.
After the World Cup, Harris will link up at the Vodafone Warriors with his former Kiwi coach and Melbourne assistant Stephen Kearney.
