during the round one NRL match between the Melbourne Storm and the St George Illawarra Dragons at AAMI Park on March 7, 2016 in Melbourne, Australia.

Melbourne Storm NRL player Marika Koroibete has confirmed his code switch to rugby union, accepting a two-year deal with Super Rugby franchise, Melbourne Rebels.

The Fijian will link up with the Rebels from next season on a lucrative deal with the club and the Australian Rugby Union.

“It was a very hard decision to make to leave Storm, but it's a great opportunity for my young family here in Melbourne and my family back home in Fiji,” Koroibete said.

“While I have made the decision about next year, my focus is on finishing here at Storm in the best way, it's a tight group of players and hopefully we can have a good rest of the season.

“I am very excited about what we can do this season.”

The 23-year-old has played 41 games with the Storm and 57 NRL games in total, after beginning his career with Wests Tigers in 2012.