The Melbourne Storm officially name returns to the NSWRL SG Ball Cup when the 2023 season kicks off tomorrow.
Formerly known as the Victorian Thunderbolts, Storm will face the Canberra Raiders at Comely Banks Recreation Reserve in Officer (11.30am kickoff).
Last night, the Under-19s squad had the privilege of receiving their inaugural Melbourne Storm jerseys from the three players with Victorian heritage who are now part of Storm’s NRL squad members - Dean Ieremia, Young Tonumaipea and Sua Fa’alogo.
“It was a great way to kick-off the year ahead for the boys,” NRL Victoria Pathways and Coaching Manager Tim Auremi said.
“Hearing from Dean, Young and Sua gives our players a great example of what they can aspire to be and the pathway that is there for them.
"Throughout the nine-week season which runs until the start of April, the U19 side will play five matches in Victoria - four at Comely Banks Recreation Reserve, well as one at Casey Fields in Cranbourne.
The playing group have been training really hard. They’re looking forward to the start of the season and representing Storm,
Tim Auremi
“We have a number of players who played SG Ball last year so they know what to expect," explained Auremi.
“If the boys can have the mentality they have shown throughout the pre-season then I’m confident they will be a competitive outfit.
”In addition to making a return to play under the Melbourne Storm banner, the U19s will also see a number of Storm Academy players feature throughout the season ahead.
“With these players experiencing training alongside the Melbourne Storm NRL squad, it further strengthens the side’s connection with their NRL counterparts.
“They (the Storm Academy players) will bring a level of professionalism and standards that will hopefully help lift the standard across the group. Everyone knows that Storm and the culture they have is one people look up to.
“Wearing the Storm logo on their chest in 2023 will certainly help the squad walk a little taller too.
“It gives them a clear connection and pathway to aspire to hopefully one day pull on the purple jersey at AAMI Park.”
Melbourne Storm SG Ball Round 1 Squad
Bishop Walker; Clayton Tapelu; Daniel Boe; Dickie Terepo; Edward Stowers; Ethan Van Gelderen; Hugo Peel; Ioane Lui; James Finau; Josiah Moreli Alama; Kobi Heurea; Kristian Tornatore; Levi Osei; Leviticus Amiatu; Matthew Logopati; Muao Kaisala; Nelson Solo; Nisifolo Fauonuku; Philip Telea; Reece Winston; Rhylis Hohepa; River Richards; Rua Ropoama; Semisi Liu; Siulagi Pio Suli Pole; Vincent Fifita
