Melbourne Storm will continue its tradition of taking a pre-season NRL trial to a regional venue by heading to Geelong in February.
It has been confirmed today that Storm will play the Sydney Roosters at GMHBA Stadium at Kardinia Park in an NRL Pre-Season Challenge match on Sunday afternoon, February 12 (1.50pm kickoff) – the club’s first visit to Geelong since 2019.
Since then, Storm has hosted trials in Ballarat, Albury and at Casey Fields in Cranbourne.
Supported by Visit Victoria, the Geelong match will be Storm’s first appearance of the pre-season and will be followed by a trip across the Tasman to face the NZ Warriors at Orangetheory Stadium in Christchurch on Sunday, February 19 (2.50pm NZ time, 12.50pm Melb time).
The season proper will begin with a round one match-up against the Parramatta Eels in Sydney on March 2 followed by the first home game in round two against Canterbury on March 11.
Storm CEO Justin Rodski said the Geelong match would help to grow rugby league’s increasing profile and participation rates in the city and surrounding areas.
“We had a strong turnout for our trial against the Warriors four years ago and we’re looking forward to building on that in February,” Rodski said.
“Geelong is a growth area for rugby league with this trial coinciding with the formation of the Geelong Sharks whose juniors will play in the Storm Junior League and seniors in the Storm Premiership for the first time in 2023.
“The launch of the Sharks, thanks to a devoted band of passionate volunteers who love our game, is really pleasing to see and this trial will give them a great chance to promote what they’re doing for next season.
I’m sure their young footballers will jump at the chance to see the stars of Storm and the Roosters, two of the competition’s powerhouse clubs, up close right in their backyard.
Justin Rodski CEO, Melbourne Storm
“A week later, we will be over in New Zealand and I’m sure our many members and fans over there will relish the chance to see their team in action.
“With a shortened pre-season for many of our players due to their Rugby League World Cup commitments, these trials against the Roosters and Warriors are going to take on extra significance.
"Our members and fans can expect to see all of our new faces in action as well as our established big names as they continue to get ready for the 2023 season.”
Acting Executive Director, Tourism Greater Geelong and The Bellarine, Tracy Carter said: “This match will be a terrific opportunity to welcome NRL fans from across the country to watch a great event, and we know that before and after the whistle they’ll enjoy the fabulous hospitality venues, attractions and experiences in Geelong and The Bellarine.”
Tickets for the Geelong match will go on sale in January with Storm members to have the opportunity to purchase discounted tickets.
