Former Melbourne Storm forward Adam Woolnough will play a key role in developing Victoria’s best young rugby league talent after being appointed as Thunderbolts under-21s coach for 2022.
Woolnough played a total of 155 NRL matches, including 21 in the 2011 season for Storm before heading into retirement. In recent years, he has been employed by the Queensland Academy of Sport and the Australian Institute of Sport in athlete development, engagement and well-being roles.
He also had a period as a non-executive board member for Softball Victoria.
Storm General Manager – Football Frank Ponissi said Woolnough’s appointment to the Thunderbolts position by NRL Victoria was well deserved.
“Adam has the background which is ideally suited to this role,” he said.
“It’s also really pleasing to have another Storm old boy involved with the club, especially in such an important area as the Thunderbolts and the growth of the state’s best young talent.
“We have seen Dean Ieremia progress from the Thunderbolts program through to the NRL this year and we’re confident there are more Victorian kids with the ability to make the step up in coming years.”
NRL Victoria’s Pathways and Coaching Manager – Tim Auremi is really looking forward to the upcoming season after interrupted 2020 and 2021 campaigns.
“The last two years have been tough for all players involved in the program due to Covid,” he said
“Hopefully we can string together an uninterrupted year. Having Adam appointed as head coach, will be a great asset for the Jersey Flegg program and all squad members.”
The Thunderbolts have played in the NSWRL Jersey Flegg competition since 2019.
