Kelly departs Melbourne with immediate effect

by NRL

Young Storm halfback, Luke Kelly, has signed with Parramatta Eels.

Despite signing from 2013, Kelly will join the Eels next week after Melbourne Storm granted his request for an early release.

Kelly has an opportunity to play first grade football immediately at the Eels, and the club was happy to support his request.

Kelly, 23, made his debut in 2009, the same year he captained Storm's NYC team to a premiership. He also won the club's U20s Best Back award in 2008 and 2009.

Suffering from injury at times during his tenure at the club, Kelly has played six games in the purple jersey, including tonight's match against the Wests Tigers at AAMI Park.

Melbourne Storm GM Football Operations, Frank Ponissi, said the club was happy to allow him to move to the Eels earlier than usual.

"The club totally understands the reasons for Luke's request for an early release," Ponissi said.

"It was a difficult decision, however given his tremendous service to Melbourne Storm, we did not want to prevent him taking up the opportunity of playing regular first grade football which he is very capable of doing.

"He is very popular around the club with both players and staff and he leaves with the club's full support and best wishes."

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