Young Tonumaipea sensationally quits Melbourne Storm mid-season

Young Tonumaipea of the Melbourne Storm scores a try. Photo / Getty

First it was Cameron Smith sending the NRL into meltdown when he announced he was stepping down from representative rugby.

Then Billy Slater followed suit by stating this would be his final ever State of Origin series.

So while Smith and Slater have decided to step away from key roles, the decisions mean their Storm careers could run longer.

Unfortunately that isn't the case for one of the team's rising stars in Young Tonumaipea who has sensationally decided to walk away.

The Storm utility has quit the club to take up a two year Mormon mission in Berlin, Germany according to reports from The Daily Telegraph.

Tonumaipea still has a year and a half to run on his contract, but after meeting with coach Craig Bellamy the club has refused to stand in his way.

His decision to walk away from his contract means he'll leave more than $200,000 on the table.

Dave Donaghy, Melbourne Storm boss, confirmed the player's pending departure from the club following the State of Origin series.

"There was a lot of listening from our end as opposed to a discussion about it," Donaghy said.

"Young came to see us the other day and let us know he was going to embark on a mission for two years.

"From our point of view he goes with our blessing. I take my hat off to him.

At only 25-years-old, Tonumaipea was slowly building towards a solid NRL career after having made his debut in 2014.

His four appearances so far during the 2018 season have resulted in one try and one try assist while he's made 41 tackles.

He'll reportedly stick around to help the club through the Origin series before flying out following the third game on July 11.

The remarkably brave decision to walk away from rugby league after building his way into a starting role has been heralded by the club.

"We are very proud of him that he has had the strength to make the decision," Donaghy said.

With his future the grand unknown, Tonumaipea can fly out to Germany knowing the club will welcome him back ... provided he remains in shape.

"If he wants to come back I'm sure he will keep himself in good nick and he has plenty of footy left in him when his two years is completed," Donaghy said.