Many of the best players in the NRL Victoria competition will be showcased in a special Nines competition to be run as part of the festival of rugby league at Casey Fields on Saturday, February 29.
The Storm Harmony Nines will feature 12 teams – six men and five women – who will play a round-robin competition to decide the finalists who will get the honour of playing the curtain-raiser to the NRL pre-season showdown between Melbourne Storm and North Queensland Cowboys.
The City of Casey and the surrounding areas are a stronghold for Storm members and rugby league fans with seven of Victoria’s local rugby league clubs located in South-East Melbourne.
Competing for the men’s trophy will be Truganina Rabbitohs Green, Eastern Raptors, Casey Warriors, Truganina Rabbitohs Red, Altona Roosters and Melton Broncos
The women’s line-up features Altona Roosters, Doveton Steelers, Melton Broncos, Gunditjmara Bulls and an NRL Vic All Stars squad.
The 18 preliminary matches will be held on two fields with the action getting underway at 9am. Admission to those matches will be free of charge.
“In partnership with City of Casey, February 29 will a day of celebration of rugby league in Victoria and the roles Storm and NRL Victoria are playing in developing the game here,” Storm CEO Dave Donaghy said.
“I’d encourage all local league fans to check out the local talent at the Nines and the fun family friendly activities we have planned at the Casey Fields playground area, before watching what is sure to be an outstanding NRL trial.”
Tickets are on sale for the NRL trial, kicking off at 5.30pm, which is expected to feature full-strength Storm and Cowboys squads in their last hit-out before the start of the 2020 NRL season.
Big discounts are available for Storm 2020 members.
Junior members will be admitted free of charge, with adult member tickets just $10.
Casey Fields Memberships are now available for $30 (adults) and $10 (juniors), which includes entry to the trial as well as one NRL home game at AAMI Park during the regular season. Call 1300 786 767 for more info.
General admission prices for non-members for the Casey trial are $20 for adults and $5 for juniors.
Storm will also use the trial as an opportunity to raise funds for the Victorian Bushfire Disaster Appeal.
