MELBOURNE Storm will look to unearth the next Marika Koroibete or Lote Tuquiri when it travels to Fiji in December after striking a deal with the Fijian Government.

High-ranking Storm officials flew to Suva to finalise a deal that will see the club play an exhibition game in December against a local team hand-picked by the Fijian Prime Minister.

“We’re very much looking forward to coming to Fiji and playing before Fijian fans,” Storm chairman Bart Campbell said in a Fijian Government media release.

Storm will hold training sessions and coaching clinics in Fiji and host open trials for aspiring NRL players.

It will give Storm officials and coaches the opportunity to cast an eye over the best young talent Fiji has to offer.

Storm have also agreed to work with Fiji and the NRL to try and bring a premiership game to Suva in the future.

Melbourne is open to playing a premiership game in Fiji in the future, although only as an away team.

Any deal of that nature is still very much up in the air.

Fijian Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama said his nation looks forward to welcoming the Storm.

“This is a wonderful opportunity, not just for our fans and the young ones but also for those who want to play professionally in the NRL,” he said.

“My government will support and facilitate this initiative by the Storm.

“The fact that the Storm have chosen to come to Fiji is an endorsement and shows confidence in my Government and the infrastructure we have built to facilitate such international events.

“I am extremely excited about it because it opens up new doors for our young men who are known for their natural talent, flair and athleticism.”

Melbourne already has a strong connection with the nation with star winger Marika Koroibete from Fiji.

Former premiership winger Sisa Waqa also hails from Fiji.

Fourth-placed Storm will play Penrith on the road on Saturday,

Coach Craig Bellamy last night named a 20-man squad for the match in the aftermath of Storm’s 24-2 thrashing by Sydney Roosters.