
With the 2025 NSWRL Junior Representative season starting on Saturday, Melbourne Storm’s Harold Matthews U17s and SG Ball U19s were presented with their playing jerseys at a special ceremony on Monday at AAMI Park.
Storm Head Coach Craig Bellamy addressed the Harold Matthews squad before joining Player Wellbeing Coordinator Young Tonumaipea to present the jerseys to the Harold Matthews players.
Storm fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen spoke to the SG Ball team, with teammates Josh King and Sua Fa’alogo also in attendance to show their support and present the SG Ball players with their 2025 jersey.

This season marks the second year of Storm’s inclusion in the NSWRL competition, with pathway teams competing at U17, U19 and U21 level.
“It’s always a great moment when we come together at the start of each season to celebrate the success of our junior players and present them with their Storm jersey in front of family, friends and teammates,” said Pathway Operations Manager Tim Auremi.
“Having Craig, Young, Paps, Kingy and Sua in attendance made the experience extra special and highlighted the ongoing connection between our senior club and pathway program.”
Storm’s strategy of identifying and nurturing young local talent remains prominent throughout both sides, with the Harold Matthews squad made up entirely of Victorian players from junior clubs across Melbourne.

In the U19s, as well as local Victorian players, there are players from Storm’s junior feeder program at Sunshine Coast Academy, Brisbane Tigers and North Sydney Bears.
“We have an exciting group of players this season, with an extensive connection to our home pathways in Victoria and our successful feeder programs, showcasing some of the best young rugby league talent,” Auremi said.
“The players have worked incredibly hard over the last few months, training together at our recent Geelong Camp, and forging great relationships on and off the field.
“We’re excited to watch them kick-off their season in Wollongong on Saturday and look forward to their contribution to the Storm jersey in 2025.”
The Storm Harold Matthews and SG Balls teams commence their season against Illawarra Steelers on Saturday in Wollongong, with the U17s kicking-off at 2:30pm followed by the U19s at 4pm.
Storm’s Jersey Flegg (U21) team start their season in line with the NRL on Sunday 9 March against the Roosters in Sydney.
2025 Melbourne Storm Harold Matthews Squad
Aidan Ilaoa | Anaias Jones-Teao | Archie Wyley |
Autaia Rakatairi- Te Whaiti | Carlos Faaofo-Taula | Dylan Simamao |
Emmanuel Walker | Harlen Smith | Harrison Plummer |
Hunter Stokie | Jactin Samaeli | James Etena Tokuma |
Jaxon Leota | Jayden Matatumua | Jeriah Papatua |
Levi Kanongataa | Malachai Taupau | Marceilus Povey |
Mason Matafeo | Max Tokava | Mika Tauese |
Palu Tauelangi | Sale-Zion Tunumafono | Santino Antonio |
Sefita Tauali'i | Sione Lasi Ata | Teipaina William |
Texas Esera - Saluni | Willis Te'o | Wivenshalom Tyrell |
Mahonri Ormsby - Hopa | Alphonzo Kereti |
2025 Melbourne Storm SG Ball Squad
Alipate Vaka | Alize Clarke | Amare Milford |
Amaziah Murgha | Ben Stringer | Burnham Salesa |
Chae Sinclair | Charbel Kheirallah | Cooper Clarke |
Daniel Moananu | David Tuariki | Deacon King |
Ed Lyons | Elijah Po Ching | Ezekiel Tausili |
Ezekiel Taupau | Frank Howarth | Jaden Ninda |
Jai Bowden | Jake Lane | Jethro Scanlan |
Jordan Hamlin | Joseph Vela | Kobi Floro |
Kyu Fiaiu | Lockyer-Azile Foliola | Lucas Hinchey |
Matt Kereti | Micah Warena | Phoenix Woods |
Riley Brannock | Ronnic Starkey | Victory Isaako |
Waka Hammond | Zeph Faumuina |