Tonga centre Solomone Kata has declined an option in his favour to play for the Melbourne Storm in 2020 and will instead pursue a reported switch to rugby union.
Kata linked with the Storm in June after four-and-a-half seasons at the New Zealand Warriors.
The veteran of 93 NRL games for the Warriors was unable to break into Craig Bellamy’s first-grade squad, playing nine matches for Storm feeder club Easts Tigers.
Kata confirmed his decision to take up ‘another opportunity’ on the Storm website on Wednesday.
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“I’ve really enjoyed my time here at Storm and made some good friends over the past few months,” Kata said.
“However another opportunity has come up that I’m keen to explore so I won’t be with the club next year.”
As first reported by The Daily Telegraph, Kata has agreed to a two-year deal with Super Rugby franchise the Brumbies until the end of 2021.
Kata made his NRL debut for the Warriors against the Newcastle Knights in Round 1 of the 2015 season.
He managed just six games in the top grade in 2019 before he was granted a release to join the Storm.
The 24-year-old also managed six Tests for Tonga.
