Melbourne Storm spiritual leader, Tawera Nikau, was among three new inductees announced at the club’s annual Life Members Dinner last night.
Nikau was inducted as Melbourne Storm Life Member #34 along with recruitment manager, Paul Bunn (Life Member #32), and long-term staff member, Justin Dixon (Life Member #33).
The Club also presented the annual John Ribot Leadership Grant and the 2023 Volunteer Appreciation Award at the dinner.
Paul Bunn - Life Member #32
Paul ‘Bunny’ Bunn is one of the most experienced recruitment managers in the NRL who has identified some of Storm’s biggest names over the last decade.
Bunn started his career at Storm in February 2012 after the sudden passing of former recruitment manager, Darren Bell in late in 2011.
Having learnt his trade from his late father at an early age, Bunn has built a recruitment team at Storm that is widely regarded as one of the best in the country.
Storm’s 2017 and 2020 Premierships, along with four minor premierships in 2016, 2017, 2019 and 2021, were built on the back of Bunn’s recruitment decisions.
Bunn and his recruitment team have identified players such as Cameron Munster, Harry Grant, Jahrome Hughes, Tim Glasby and Ryan Papenhuyzen in a long list of talented to have pulled on the purple jersey.
Justin Dixon – Life Member #33
Justin Dixon is a respected and admired member of the Storm family who lives and breathes the values of our Club.
Justin began his 15-year journey with Storm in 2009 assisting with the Club’s game day and events team over two seasons.
However, it wasn’t until 2012 that he took on a full-time role with Storm as the Events Manager, beginning a career progression that has him now heading up the critical consumer areas of membership, ticketing and events.
For those lucky enough to have experienced ANZAC Day at AAMI Park or Player of the Year Awards, it has been under the guidance of Justin and his incredible events team.
He sets the standard for hard work and is as passionate about developing and helping others as he is about the success of the Club.
Justin was recognised in 2014 having been presented with the Chairman’s Award and has since helped Storm reach a record 41,108 members in 2022.
Tawera Nikau – Life Member #34
Known as one of the Club’s original enforcers, Tawera Nikau, arguably played the toughest 53 games to be played wearing the purple jersey.
Storm player #13, Tawera was one of the first players to be signed by the Club’s founding father, John Ribot. It didn’t take long for the Kiwi lock to make an impression on the Club and having a major influence on the values and foundations for players and staff to follow in his footsteps.
Tawera didn’t need the title as captain to lead and influence his Storm teammates during his two years at the Club, laying down the standards and expectations on and off the field.
His leadership come to the fore in the 1999 Grand Final when, heading into the sheds at half time trailing 14-0 against the Dragons, he lifted the team to win Storm’s first Premiership in what was to be his last game in the Storm jersey.
Tawera has maintained a close connection with the Club since his retirement, always on hand to support the Melbourne Old Boys, host commercial partners in his home country and to mentor new players, particularly those New Zealand and Māori players hoping to emulate his outstanding achievements.
Even when experiencing his own personal adversity, Tawera found time for those in need at Storm – that’s why he is regarded as a true great of the Club.
Mark Fraser - Volunteer Appreciation Award
Not too many people can claim to have worked with Storm in its foundation year and still maintain a connection with the Club 25 years later like Mark ‘Frase’ Fraser.
Mark began his journey with Storm in 1998 volunteering his time sorting out jerseys, a role he still does to this day in addition to having the sheds ‘match ready’ on gameday.
Mark’s rugby league knowledge become invaluable in the early days as he was one of only a few who could work the scoreboard at Olympic Park and understood the scoring for our first ever home game against North Sydney.
Since his ‘debut’ in 1998, Mark has remained close to Storm in varying roles and through different connections, including opening the first Storm supporters shop on Bridge Road, Rugby Factory, a Storm merchandise store, Rugby Fever, and travelling with the team for the 2008 World Club Challenge.
Meg O’Hurley – John Ribot Leadership Grant recipient
Melbourne Storm Partnership Manager, Meg O’Hurley, become the third Storm Group employee to be awarded the John Ribot Leadership Grant.
The grant, which provides financial support to inspire and support the leadership development of the people at Melbourne Storm and Sunshine Coast Lightning, was first introduced in 2021.
Meg will be utilising the Grant to undertake two initiatives to further her personal and professional development, including the opportunity to travel to the USA and spend time with the Brooklyn Nets.
