Last Saturday, the Storm community came together for an open training session at the home of local club Pakenham Eels in South-East Melbourne.
More than 500 people were in attendance to watch the NRL squad train alongside pathway players from the U17s, U19s and U21s, highlighting the Club’s ongoing strategy to develop grassroots rugby league at all levels in Victoria.
Fans, young and old, were given the opportunity to watch their Storm heroes train with some of the best talent in the state, before a range of post-training activities provided members and fans with the chance to meet their favourite players for selfies and autographs.
As part of the training session, six players (two from each pathways team) were rewarded for their outstanding pre-seasons to date and given the opportunity to warm-up with the senior NRL squad.
The six players selected were Sefita Tauali’l (U17, Waverly Panthers), Jayden Matatumua (U17, Doveton Steelers), Chae Sinclair (U19, Altona Roosters), Burnham Salesa (U19, Northern Thunder), Delacruz Ripley (U21, Sunshine Cowboys) and Eli Morris (U21, Lithgow Storm).
In total, over 120 players were in action across the four fields at Comely Banks Reserve, with more than 70 players from Victoria, including the entire Harold Matthews squad (U17) which is made up of players from junior clubs across the state.
The open training session was delivered as part of The Road to AAMI Park strategy which aims to identify and nurture Victorian rugby league talent, allowing Storm to invest in and connect with junior clubs and be an integral part of the community.
Season 2025 commences for the Harold Matthews (U17) and SG Ball (U19) competitions on Saturday 1 February, before the Jersey Flegg (U21) starts in line with Round 1 of the NRL.
