Kumuls star and Gold Coast Titans forward, Cooper Bai, has signed a 3-year deal with the Melbourne Storms, following his father, Marcus Bai’s footsteps.

The 20-year-old has made 24 NRL appearances for the Titans since his first-grade debut in 2025. He shone in the 2026 season by playing 23 games and scoring two tries.

Bai has also represented Papua New Guinea on the international stage, making his Test debut against the Cook Islands during the 2025 Pacific Championships. He also featured for the PNG Prime Minister’s XIII in their clash against Australia later that year.

According to Storms’s Director of Football Frank Ponissi said the Club was excited to welcome Bai to Melbourne.

“Cooper is an exciting young forward and a quality young man. He’s made an impressive start to his career with the Gold Coast, and we’re looking forward to supporting his continued development here in Melbourne,” Ponissi said.

“Cooper has great potential and we look forward to watching his continued development over the next 12 months before he joins us in 2028, which marks the 30th anniversary of our Club’s inaugural season in 1998 featuring Cooper’s father Marcus - making it even more significant.”