Sunshine Coast Lightning’s Head Coach, Belinda Reynolds, and Head of High Performance, Brynley Abad, headed down south to visit Melbourne Storm, immersing themselves in the NRL club’s environment for a day.
Joining the Storm Group at the end of 2022, it was the first time Reynolds and Abad had the opportunity to visit their rugby league counterparts.
Sitting in on meetings, observing planning and watching training, the coaches were a part of the full inner workings of the club’s elite performance regime.
“It was a fantastic opportunity,” Reynolds shared.
“I really enjoyed listening to the coaches’ planning meeting, and how they managed such a large squad and the focus for the session.
“There were many similarities to our sessions at Lightning, however I found it interesting the way Storm put certain areas under fatigue before having to defend repeated sets.”
While a 30+ member rugby league team and a 15-strong netball squad may not immediately have much in common, Reynolds shares the likeness lies in the strategies and culture.
Both Lightning and Storm have strong standards which are the benchmark for a great culture
Belinda Reynolds Head Coach, Sunshine Coast Lightning
“This along with clear game models and role clarity amongst athletes are two similarities that stood out most.”
Coming together for a Storm Group Leadership Series with Elite Performance Partners, the coaches looked at not only on-field (and court) performance but mentalities that help players flourish.
“With a strong emphasis on energy this year in the Lightning camp, it was great to collaborate around how high-performance teams are energised through a sense of belonging and clarity,” said Reynolds.
“Huge than you to Frank and Melbourne Storm for coordinating the day and providing the opportunity for us to be involved.”
