It will be a new era for community rugby league in Victoria.
NRL Victoria and Melbourne Storm recently announced that the senior competition would be called the Storm Premiership, having previously been known as the NRL Victoria competition.
The “Storm Premiership” branding will be used for all senior competitions while “Storm Junior League” – introduced in season 2021 – will be extended to all junior competitions, from under-6 to under-18s.
NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo and Melbourne Storm chief executive Justin Rodski recently met with players, parents, volunteers and referees from local rugby league clubs ahead of the season.
“Victoria has been hit particularly hard by COVID over the last two years, but we are hoping to see community footy return without interruption in the season ahead,” Abdo said.
“Sport provides a wonderful connection for our community and whether you are a player, parent, coach, referee or volunteer it brings people together. We can’t wait for the season to kick off.
“It’s great to see so much enthusiasm in the game here in Victoria and the NRL and commission will be doing all we can to grow the game in the years ahead.”
As part of the partnership between Storm and NRL Victoria, every registered participant in Victoria– players, volunteers, coaches and referees – will become members of Storm if they choose to as part of the club’s commitment to growing the game.
“We know it’s been difficult for some families over the last two years to reconnect with the game,” Rodski said.
“Storm was keen to bring as many people back to the game they love, which is why we have
partnered with NRL Victoria to rebrand their local competitions and provide an incentive to be
involved.
“The great thing about our game is that it can be played by everyone, whether it is a game of touch, tackle or tag. We hope to see as many people as possible back playing, coaching, refereeing or just watching the game as possible.”
Senior competitions are set to kick off on the weekend, with junior competitions to start after Easter.
NRL Victoria will be holding ‘Come and Try’ clinics at every Melbourne club.
Details: www.playrugbyleague.com.
