The injury depleted Melbourne Storm have been crying out for some new troops, but nobody knew just how desperate the situation was.
The NRL club on Friday pulled a bizarre stunt in which former Wallabies international Nick Cummins was unveiled as the club’s latest “signing”.
The gag was presented in front of reporters moments before the club announced coach Craig Bellamy has extended his tenure with the club through to the end of the 2025 season.
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With a cheeky grin on his face, Storm CEO Justin Rodski revealed the club had made “a really special signing” that had been “a long time in the making”.
“We know that code switches don’t happen easily, but we’re really excited to be welcoming the newest addition to our squad,” Rodski said.
“A player that’s got great character, he’s proven himself on the big stage in rugby union. And for us as a club, we’re always looking to do things a little bit differently and look at opportunities to strengthen our squad and our list.
“Today’s that day and we’re pretty excited to be welcoming to the Melbourne Storm … the Honey Badger.”
Cummins, 36, then walked out in front of the cameras, decked out in his trademark headband and Storm training gear.
Rodski said Cummins would be training with the team on Friday ahead of the club’s Round 10 blockbuster against the Sharks on Saturday night.
As entertaining as a Cummins code switch would be, a full 10 years after his final appearance with the wallabies in 2014, the Storm did nothing to hide the fact it was simply a publicity stunt.
However, the club has not made any public statement to confirm Cummins’ “signing” is just a bit of fun.
Cummins is the face of the Tradie underwear clothing line. The brand has been a long-term sponsor of the Storm.
The brand was featured prominently on the advertising backdrop behind Cummins during the announcement.
“Obviously it’s not a decision I make lightly having been sidelined for a couple of years now,” Cummins said with a straight face.
“But the way these boys hold themselves, they’re not just motivated, they’re dedicated.
“The opportunity came around, I was like a bull in a china shop, just wanted to go up the guts and into it, throw yourself in and give it everything you can.”
When questioned by a reporter why he was returning to the field, albeit in a different code, Cummins declared he’s “still got a bloody bit of music” in him.
“You’ve got a couple of young blokes I want to show that I can still deliver the goods and push,” Cummins said.
“I know I can add something to the boys with a bit of experience and a bit of passion.”
Cummins added: “It’s a tight group, it’s tight for spots but I’ll do what I can for everyone.
“The boys, how tight they are together, it’s going to be hard to crack that but I know I can. It’s as tight as a fat lady’s sock.
“If I can get in there and add what I can, I will.”
“The opportunity came around, I was like a bull in a china shop, just wanted to go up the guts and into it, throw yourself in and give it everything you can.”
When questioned by a reporter why he was returning to the field, albeit in a different code, Cummins declared he’s “still got a bloody bit of music” in him.
“You’ve got a couple of young blokes I want to show that I can still deliver the goods and push,” Cummins said.
“I know I can add something to the boys with a bit of experience and a bit of passion.”
Cummins added: “It’s a tight group, it’s tight for spots but I’ll do what I can for everyone.
“The boys, how tight they are together, it’s going to be hard to crack that but I know I can. It’s as tight as a fat lady’s sock.
“If I can get in there and add what I can, I will.”
Fox Sports News’ Jim Callinan summed it up at the end of Cummins’ press conference,” saying: “Nick Cummins there, it would seem that we’ve all been played”.
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