One of the most significant steps taken by Melbourne Storm this season has nothing to do with the men’s team who is about to head into its 24th final’s series.
While the Club has made big steps in the development of our male pathways and structures, it has been the introduction of a new female pathways program that is breaking new ground for the Club.
The new Storm Female Development program has not only provided women and girls in Victoria with a clear pathway for the very first time, it has also given us an insight into the future of our Club and more particularly, the future NRLW team.
The 30 players in the program were selected from a list of more than 80 athletes aged between 15 and 16 who trialled in three combines across metro-Melbourne. The players and support staff have embarked on a 12-week program preparing them for competition and further development for the years ahead.
Later this month, a team of 20 players and additional support staff will head to NSW to play the North Sydney Bears Under 17 team in the first ever match played by women wearing the Melbourne Storm jersey. This is a truly historic moment for our Club.
Next season will see the continued development of the female pathways program and the introduction of regular matches and training to help prepare our players for competition in both U17 and U19 competitions in 2026.
The Storm Female Development Squad is supported by the Women of Storm initiative in partnership with Co-Presenting Partners Kangan Institute and BMD and supporting partners Cointree, Suzuki, The Amazing Baby Company, Gallaghers and Kieser.
