Melbourne Storm’s members and fans who have missed seeing their favourite team in action can get a close-up look at a special open training session in Wyndham on Saturday, November 19.
Storm’s NRL squad will head west to the Werribee Bears’ home ground, Haines Drive Reserve, to continue their preparations for the start of the 2023 NRL season.
The open training session is being supported by Wyndham City Council and Wyndham Vale Primary School.
In the New Year, Storm will also hold an open session at the Casey Warriors’ home ground at Casey Fields on Saturday, January 14 on the second leg of their trip around Melbourne’s outer suburbs, which is where rugby league’s popularity in Victoria is strongest.
Entry to both open sessions is free, and membership and merchandise stalls will be up and running to get everyone ready for the 2023 season.
Gates open at 9am, with activities through to 1pm including a free Storm Junior League clinic for the kids to show off their rugby league skills. To register, go to playrugbyleague.com.
“The team really enjoyed our trip around the local grounds last year,” Storm captain Christian Welch.
“Werribee Bears will be a new one for us and Casey always make us feel welcome.
“We’re looking forward to seeing all of our members again, saying hello and enjoying an atmosphere that’s a little bit different for a training session.”
NRL Victoria General Manager Brent Silva said: “This is a fabulous opportunity for the community to get up close and connect with the stars of the game.
“We are grateful to have a club like Storm willing to get out to the suburbs to support the local community and our clubs involved in the Storm Junior League and Storm Premiership.
“We are excited to be able provide some great opportunities for kids to learn some skills and inspire them to be future Storm NRL and NRLW players.”
Storm’s first pre-season match will be against the Sydney Roosters at GMHBA Stadium at Kardinia Park on Sunday afternoon, February 12 (1.50pm kickoff) – the club’s first visit to Geelong since 2019.
It will be followed by a trip across the Tasman to face the NZ Warriors at Orangetheory Stadium in Christchurch on Sunday, February 19 (2.50pm NZ time, 12.50pm Melb time).
The season proper will begin with a round one match-up against the Parramatta Eels in Sydney on March 2 followed by the first home game in round two against Canterbury on March 11.
Open Training
Saturday, November 19 (9am to 1pm): Werribee Bears home ground, Haines Drive Reserve, Werribee
Saturday, January 14 (9am to 1pm): Casey Warriors home ground, Casey Fields, Cranbourne.
