FROM the junior rugby league fields of Ipswich to the bright lights of the NRL, Marion Seve has travelled a remarkable journey that is bringing him home in 2027.
After eight seasons with the Melbourne Storm and a career that included representing Samoa, the 31-year-old is returning to where it all began, signing with the Ipswich Jets for the 2027 Hostplus Cup season.
Exclusively speaking with Local Ipswich News following the announcement of his signing, Seve said being closer to family and giving back to the community that helped launch his career were among the biggest reasons behind his signing.
“The big thing for me is moving back home, closer to family,” Seve said.
“I wanted to come home and share my experience with the younger fellas coming through and help their growth.
“It’s also about giving back.”
Born and raised in Ipswich, Seve arrives with 52 NRL appearances, international experience and the professionalism developed during his time under one of rugby league’s most respected coaches, Craig Bellamy.
For Jets head coach Tye Ingebrigtsen, bringing a local product of Seve’s calibre back to the club represents a significant boost ahead of the 2027 campaign.
“It’s awesome to bring a local Ipswich junior home,” Ingebrigtsen said.
“Having an NRL player who is born and bred in Ipswich returning home after 11 years of professional rugby league is going to be a real big boost for us on and off the field.
“Marion will bring a wealth of experience and we see him being one of our key leaders for 2027.”
For Seve, pulling on the Jets jersey again carries special significance, with his rugby league journey beginning in the Ipswich junior system with Ipswich Brothers before progressing through the club’s development pathways.
“I debuted with this team, so coming back and playing for the team I debuted with is special,” he said.
“I’m proud of where I’m from. Being back home in Ipswich, where I’m proud of and where it means more to me, is a great opportunity.”
Seve attended St Peter Claver College before moving to Keebra Park State High School, where he helped the Gold Coast-based rugby league nursery claim the national schoolboy title in 2013.
His performances earned him the prestigious Peter Sterling Medal and Australian Schoolboys selection in the same year, establishing him as one of the country’s most promising young footballers.
His professional pathway took him through the Wests Tigers system before a move to the Brisbane Broncos in 2016 before a mid-season signing with Melbourne Storm in 2018 that ultimately transformed his career.
Seve made his NRL debut against the Canberra Raiders in Round 2 of the 2019 season, going on to play for then across eight seasons, making 52 NRL appearances, scoring 13 tries and becoming a respected member of one of the competition’s most successful organisations.
His performances also earned him international honours with Samoa, including selection for the 2019 Rugby League World Cup 9s and the 2023 Pacific Rugby League Championships.
In 2022, he was recognised as Melbourne Storm’s Most Improved Player, reflecting the progress he had made within the club’s demanding professional environment.
Seve said his career has seen great heights but some deep, challenging lows along the way.
In June 2025, he suffered a serious eye injury while playing, rather than immediately walk away, Seve fought to continue playing, making history in August 2025 when he became the first NRL player to wear protective sports goggles during a match.
His career endured further setbacks this year, with two ruptured triceps injuries limiting him to just a handful of appearances.
Seve admitted he had seriously considered whether his playing days were over before announcing his retirement from the NRL on September 7.
“I thought I wasn’t going to play again, but I’m going to go around next year and give everything I’ve got and rip in with the boys in Ipswich,” he said.
“I’m looking forward to the role I’ll play in the team and helping the younger fellas.”
Beyond his return to the game and his homecoming, Seve is excited by the Jets’ ambitious bid to secure the NRL’s 20th licence, believing Ipswich has the population growth, junior talent and rugby league foundations to become a genuine powerhouse.
“I reckon it could be similar to what Penrith are doing out west in Sydney,” he said.
“The amount of growth and talent coming through the junior ranks is massive.
“I reckon it’s got a really good chance of becoming a strong, successful NRL club.
“I’ll be the first one to sign up for a membership.”
