Hannah Hammoud
Melbourne Storm is extending its high-performance program to schools, including Victoria University Secondary College, in a bid to nurture the next generation of NRL player.
Storm’s full-time pathway coaches and staff will conduct weekly sessions at the school, led by academy coach Matt Duffie, pathways coach Mark Russell, pathways performance coach Nick Le Comte, dietician Georgia Walker, and wellbeing co-ordinator Dylan Wolfgramm.
These sessions will provide expert guidance in skill development, strength and conditioning, nutrition, and player welfare.
The club’s long-term vision of producing more Melbourne-born NRL players has led to Storm to dedicate itself to nurturing local talent and fostering a strong rugby league culture in Victoria.
The program aims to bridge the gap between school and elite-level rugby league. Other schools participating in the program include The Grange P-12, Mt Ridley College and Hallam Secondary College.
Coaches and staff will work closely with schools to provide tailored training and support, ensuring that aspiring players receive the guidance and resources they need to succeed.
Pathways coach Mark Russell said the program’s roll-out marks a significant step in Storm’s commitment to grassroots development.
“The program has been really good and the boys have been very responsive. They’re obviously pretty keen on playing rugby league and this just allows them to be exposed to a high-performance program,” he said.
“We’ve got a real big focus right now on making sure the next generation of Melbourne Storm footballers are coming from Melbourne, and our Melbourne-made schools play a big part in it.
“We’re really proud of what we’re doing. Melbourne Storm has been well noted as only producing four players that are actually Melbourne bred. We’ve identified that and want to double those numbers in the next five to 10 years.”
