Rugby league fans in Melbourne’s south-east will have the chance to see their Storm heroes play against North Queensland Cowboys next year in a first for the region.
Storm has partnered with the City of Casey in what will be a festival of rugby league on Saturday, February 29, culminating with the Storm v Cowboys NRL pre-season trial at Casey Fields (kick-off 5.30pm).
Storm CEO Dave Donaghy said the festival would be a day and night to remember for rugby league fans in the south east.
“Casey and the surrounding areas are a real stronghold for Storm members and rugby league fans,” he said.
“It’s exciting that for the first time we’ll be taking our main pre-season trial to that part of Melbourne.
“I’m sure we will get a huge turnout not only from Storm members and fans keen to see their team close up, but also from people in Casey who enjoy going to big events.
“This is our final trial before the start of the 2020 season so everyone who attends will see a full dress rehearsal for what’s to come in our 22nd year.”
Seven of Victoria’s local rugby league clubs are located in Melbourne’s south-east:
- Casey Warriors (City of Casey)
- Doveton Steelers (City of Casey)
- Eastern Raptors (City of Knox)
- Frankston Raiders (Frankston City)
- Pakenham Eels (Cardinia Shire)
- South Eastern Titans (Greater Dandenong)
- Waverley Oakleigh Panthers (City of Monash)
Donaghy said Storm and NRL Victoria were finalising details around a new local club initiative that would form part of the day-long festival.
“This will be a day to celebrate rugby league and the roles Storm and NRL Victoria are playing in developing the game here,” he said.
“Our goal is to have all levels of the game involved to showcase what rugby league is about in Victoria.”
Tickets for Storm v Cowboys will go on sale in mid-January.
Storm will start its pre-season campaign at the NRL Nines at HBF Park in Perth on February 14-15 with matches against Manly and Brisbane in the qualifying rounds.
It will be followed by a trip to New Zealand’s North Island for a trial match against the Warriors at Central Energy Trust Arena in Palmerston North on Saturday, February 22.
Buy NRL Nines tickets here.
Buy tickets to the Storm v Warriors trial in New Zealand here.
