Melbourne Storm’s three pathways teams have started training for 2025 with many of them coming from Melbourne’s north-west.
The SG Ball (under-19s) and Harold Matthews (under-17s) squads have been in action since November 2 ahead of the start of their respective competitions on February 1.
Storm’s Jersey Flegg (under-21s) squad hit the training field on November 9 with their competition kicking off on March 8.
The club’s Road to AAMI Park pathways strategy of identifying and nurturing young local talent has already paid off with the Harold Matthews squad for 2025 entirely made up of Victorian players drawn from junior clubs across Melbourne.
Altona Roosters have the most players in the Harold Matthews squad with nine, while the Sunbury Tigers have seven.
There were six Northern Thunder players named in the squad.
Aidan Ilaoa, Dylan Simanao, James Etena Tokuma, Malachai Taupau, Mika Tauese and Teipanina William are the Thunder players in the squad.
As well as introducing players to the Storm culture, the Road to AAMI Park allows the Storm to invest in and connect with local junior clubs and also to be an integral part of the community.
The coaching staff has a wealth of experience and knowledge with three former Storm players in this season’s ranks.
There is also a very high representation of Victorian coaches and staff across all three teams with Tony Adam, who came from the NRL Victoria system, once again coaching the Harold Matthews under-17s.
In the 19s, as well as local Victorian players, there are also players who have come through as part of the feeder club junior programs from the Sunshine Coast Academy and another coming to Melbourne from the North Sydney Bears.
Storm has a senior and junior academies in 2025 with those players spread out amongst the 19s and 21s.
Storm football director Frank Ponissi said.they were very excited to build on from their first season of the Road to AAMI Park Pathways Program.
“We have a wonderful group of young players and dedicated staff with our junior rep teams that will provide a unique experience for all players as well as providing them with the best possible opportunity to one day wearing the purple jersey in an NRL game on AAMI Park.”
