Melbourne Storm has announced today it will play its scheduled home fixture against Wests Tigers on June 19 at Sunshine Coast Stadium due to the on-going COVID-19 situation in Melbourne.
The decision to move the game from AAMI Park was made following continued consultation with the NRL, Victorian Government representatives and Melbourne and Olympic Parks.
It follows on from the round 13 match against the Gold Coast Titans being played at Sunshine Coast Stadium in front of almost 8000 fans last weekend.
Tickets for the Tigers game will go on sale via Ticketek at 4pm today.
The work of Storm’s major charity partner, the Starlight Children’s Foundation, will be highlighted in the lead-up to the Tigers clash, as well as at the stadium on gameday.
For the past five years, Storm has worked with Starlight who are dedicated to brightening the lives of seriously ill children, adolescents and their families through a range of programs, including wish granting and a Starlight Express Rooms in every major children’s hospital in Australia.
To kick off the build-up to round 15, NRL squad members Cooper Johns and Nicho Hynes had a special online catch-up with some children currently in care on Starlight TV yesterday.
Storm CEO Justin Rodski said it was unavoidable for the Tigers game to be played away from Melbourne.
“I can understand the disappointment our members are feeling about missing out on seeing Storm at home over this current lockdown period,” Rodski said.
“It is shared by our players and staff who love our games at AAMI Park and playing in front of the Purple Army.
It’s a situation none of us wish to be in but moving next week’s game is the only option we have to allow our team to keep playing in the competition.
Justin Rodski Storm CEO
“We are very thankful to Sunshine Coast Council and Sunshine Coast Stadium for partnering with us again for the round 15 clash.
“This week is also very special to our Club as it gives us a chance to highlight the outstanding work the Starlight Children’s Foundation does for our community.”
Storm will continue to monitor the COVID situation in Victoria and will take advice from the NRL and governments before making any decision on future games.
