Officially six months into its existence, catch up with how the Melbourne Storm Academy has fared so far in 2023.
After being announced in December last year, the Storm Academy is now in full flight with 14 aspiring footballers living and learning about what it takes to make the step into first-grade.
After experiencing much of the pre-season alongside the Storm NRL squad, Academy players have now settled into a routine of work and football with most suiting up for the Storm U21 Jersey Flegg side each week as they continue to be educated in the Storm system.
Storm Academy Coach Matt Duffie has been pleased with the progress across the board so far, with improved results in the Jersey Flegg competition in 2023 evident of the work being put in. However, it hasn’t been without learnings and improvements made at the beginning of this road for the club.
“With a new program we always knew there would be challenges, we have learned quickly and adapted the program as we see fit,” Duffie explained.
“The players have integrated into the Melbourne Storm U21s team well and we have seen them get better as a team every week, which now sees them one win out of the top five (who play for finals).”
“Pre-season is tough for an experienced NRL player, so putting our young guys through this was a steep learning curve but the experience of training alongside our leaders such as Munster, Welchy and Harry has been invaluable for them.”
“I need to credit a lot of their development to our NRL players, they helped them along during pre-season and allowed them to learn quickly.”
Developed late last year, a large focus of the Academy program was to see more “homegrown” players from Victoria push through to represent Storm. With four Victorians sitting in this current Academy crop it is hoped this will only encourage more to move through now there is a tangible pathway in place.
A number of that home grown talent will be in action this Sunday on Gosch’s Paddock as the U21 Jersey Flegg side play the curtain raiser before Storm’s Round 15 home game against Cronulla at AAMI Park.
Sheldon Diaz (VIC)
“Sheldon has been a real shining light in our Academy group. He had a huge pre-season impressed with how he approached his training.”
Jerry Musu (VIC)
“A late addition to the Academy group, Jerry impressed so much at the start of the season that it gave us no choice but to bring him on board. A local Victorian, Jerry is a powerful middle forward he consistently bends the line when he runs the ball - he has improved his defence under the guidance of U21s coach, Mark Russell.”
Jared Nauma (VIC)
“Unfortunately, Jared was hampered by a recurrent hamstring injury of the preseason that ultimately needed surgery. Jared will be a welcome addition back into the squad before the end of the season. Despite his circumstances he continues to lead our young Victorians with his attitude and effort.”
Suliasi Prescott (VIC)
“Suliasi has really grown in the past 6 months both physically and mentally. He came back after the Christmas break and won the fitness test, smashing his previous score. From there he has continued to improve his game and even adding lock forward to his capabilities on the footy field.”
Matt Hill
“Matt brings a bit of fun and connection to the group and on-field he has a lot of ‘x-factor’, doing things that not a lot of other players can. Matt has had a consistent start to the year and has scored in almost every game so far. His improvement has been evident to see.”
Angus Hinchey
“Angus made a mark on the program during the preseason, dominating the running and contact sessions. This has seen him make a great start to the season - He’s tough in defence and has good leg speed.”
Stanley Huen
“Stanley started with us late after missing the pre-season but that hasn’t stopped him from getting up to speed and quickly. He had a disrupted start to the season with injury and illness but from the moment he was given the starting six jersey, himself and the team have thrived.”
Mitchell Jennings
“Mitchell is a smart edge player who is deceptively strong. His catch/pass game on the edge has been a feature to start the year and he runs a good line off his halves.”
Poasi Manu
“The only Academy player to complete every session of the NRL pre-season, Poasi made some huge gains with his fitness over the summer and that has allowed him to start the season well. The elder statesman of the group, he has just had his first child, Isaiah, with his partner Emma.”
K-Ci Newton-Whare
“K-Ci had an interrupted start to his time here with a few little injuries, but he really shone at the Geelong Camp where he was awarded the ‘Academy Player of the Camp’. He listens and learns quickly. He is a really coachable young forward.”
Keagan Russell-Smith
“Keagan made a huge impact on the NRL playing group over the preseason with his footy ability and work ethic. He is deceptively strong with his contact in defence but his best attribute is his knowledge of the game and how he applies himself within the team. He was rewarded with an NRL trial against the Roosters in Geelong.”
Gabriel Satrick
“Gabe is a ball of energy and brings a great work ethic and a thirst for improvement in his game. This has really rubbed off on the other players in the group. He has been a standout for us and has been one of the competition’s best players in Jersey Flegg so far this season.”
Karauria Stokes-Mauahara
“A dangerous attacking player, Karauria took a while to get up to the speed of an NRL preseason but finished really strong to show what he’s good at. He has had limited opportunity in our U21s so far this season but continues to push himself to get better.”
Coby Williamson
“Unfortunately, Coby had a very disrupted preseason due to a hip injury but when he got his opportunity in Round 2 to make his U21s debut, he did not let anyone down. He is a strong and powerful centre who would not look out of place in the middle of the field.”
The Storm Academy is proudly supported by RedZed, Jaybro, Jayco and Grill'd.
