Three current Melbourne Storm players were among four Life Members inducted by the Club at the annual Life Member’s Dinner at AAMI Park this evening.
On the same night four former Storm players were inducted in the NRL Hall of Fame, Christian Welch, Cameron Munster, Nelson Asofa-Solomona and staff member, Ashley Tucker, were all inducted as Melbourne Storm Life Members.
Joining Cameron Smith being inducted into the NRL Hall of Fame this evening was Cooper Cronk, Billy Slater and Greg Inglis.
The Club also acknowledged the contribution of staff who have served with Storm for over five years, including Club Doctor, Jason Chan, and former player and current welfare coordinator, Peter Robinson
Christian Welch - Life Member #35 (Player #167)
One of an elite group of players to captain the club which he did in 2022-23, Welch has played 158 NRL games and was part of the 2020 premiership-winning team.
Coming up through the Storm system, Welch played for the Storm NYC Team before making his NRL debut in Round 9, 2015 against the Parramatta Eels.
He was also a member of the 2018 World Club Challenge winning team and was named Storm’s Most Improved Player in the same season.
His record includes three grand final appearances and representing Queensland six times in the State of Origin
Nelson Asofa-Solomona - Life Member #36 Storm (Player #166)
The New Zealand born prop is about to play his 200th game in Storm colours this Saturday at home against the Dolphins, becoming the 10th player at the club to achieve the feat.
A two-time NRL premiership winner and Man of the Match in the 2018 World Club Challenge winning team, Asofa-Solomona is another player who has progressed through the Storm system.
He won the Darren Bell Under-21s Player of the Year Award before making his NRL debut in round eight in 2015.
Asofa-Solomona has also represented New Zealand 15 times.
Cameron Munster - Life Member #38 (Storm player #160)
A two-time Storm Player of the Year, Munster came to Melbourne from Rockhampton and made his NRL debut in Round 12 against the North Queensland Cowboys in 2014.
He has now played 206 NRL games in the purple jersey, including four grand finals.
A member of two NRL Premiership and a World Club Challenge winning team, Munster is the ninth player at the club to have played more than 200 games.
He was Storm Player of the Year and Members’ Player of the Year in 2018 and 2022, Storm Rookie of the Year in 2015, has represented Australia 12 times and Queensland in four State of Origin series winning numerous awards along the way.
Ashley Tucker – Life Member #37
Ashley Tucker is the typical ‘man behind the scenes’ staff member dedicating his time to helping the Club remain competitive on and off the field.
Never one to seek accolades or attention, he first joined Storm as Assistant Finance Manager in 2013 and is now heading up the finance, legal and IT departments as Storm’s Chief Operating Officer.
Ash has been instrumental in driving stability in the Club through some of the most challenging periods, including stepping in as interim CEO after the COVID pandemic.
He continues to play a pivotal role in the Club’s key infrastructure and strategic projects that will ensure ongoing success for the Club.
Staff Recognition
The Club also took the opportunity to recognise significant milestones for staff who had made an ongoing contribution to Storm, both in the football program and administration.
Staff who had continuously served five, ten, fifteen, twenty and twenty-five years at the Club were presented with specially designed pins, including long-serving staff members, Robinson and Dr Chan.
25 Year Contribution - Peter Robinson (Player #38)
Peter Robinson has been part of the Melbourne Storm family since its inaugural year in 1998 and bleeds purple.
A proud Muruwari man, ‘Robbo’ joined Storm from his hometown in Cobar NSW as a fresh faced 24-year-old, becoming the first ever Indigenous player to pull on the purple jersey.
Player #38, he went on to play 75 games and score 10 tries for Storm and was inducted as Life Member #12.
Robbo transitioned from player to staff member in 2006 initially as the 'Player & Community Development Coordinator’ and now supports current and former players in his role as ‘Welfare Coordinator’. He is the unofficial leader of the Melbourne Old Boys and continues to drive the cultural and family values of the Club.
Dr Jason Chan
Affectionately known as ‘The Doc’, Dr Jason Chan started with Storm after a brief conversation with Football Director, Frank Ponissi, over lunch over ten years ago.
Earlier this week, Dr Chan announced the 2024 season will be his last with the Club as Chief Medical Officer.
Dr Chan was instrumental in navigating through the enormous challenges of the COVID pandemic, including the relocation of staff, players and families and developing protocols across the entire competition.
The longest serving Chief Medical Officer in the Club’s history, Dr Chan continues to bring energy and enthusiasm and has served not only players, coaches and staff, but has provided advice and guidance to families of those involved with the Club.
Volunteer Appreciation Award – Jeff White
Following in the footsteps of his father, John, who was recognised with the same award two years ago, Jeff White is a constant fixture at AAMI Park on game day for Storm.
Over the years, Jeff has been an invaluable helper on game day firstly at the old Olympic Park and since 2010, AAMI Park.
Jeff’s role has varied over the years from preparing the changerooms for players and coaches on game day and cleaning the dressing room to the post game management of guests as they join players and staff to sing the team song after a win.
No job is too big or small for Jeff and he is often the last to leave the stadium. His commitment often goes beyond what is required, demonstrating his passion for his work and respect for everyone involved in the game.
Most importantly, it’s how Jeff approaches his role that sets him apart. He is hard-working, reliable, respectful, exceptionally humble and gets on with his job with a smile on his face and never looks for credit or praise.
John Ribot Leadership Grant
The annual John Ribot Leadership Grant was also awarded on the night. The award is named in honour of Melbourne Storm founding father, John Ribot, who showed incredible vision and leadership in the creation of our club.
The two recipients of the award for 2024 were Melbourne Storm Head of Membership, Emma Lorraine, and Head of Digital and Content, Jonathan Demos.
