Melbourne Storm’s current crop of U21s need not look too far for inspiration ahead of Sunday’s 2025 Jersey Flegg Grand Final.
Mark Russell’s side are looking to make history this weekend and become the first Storm side to win the historic Jersey Flegg Cup, however they wouldn’t be the first Storm junior side to taste success.
Back in 2009, the U20 Thunderbolts took the then National Youth Competition by storm, winning 11 of their last 12 matches of the season to claim a famous victory at Sydney Olympic Stadium.
Current Pathways Coach and Storm Old Boy Matt Duffie looks back fondly on not only the Grand Final day triumph but also the entire season for the young side.
“It was an amazing experience because the way it worked back then, we played before every NRL game, so it was an amazing competition,” Duffie said.
“We all had come from different places in Australia, New Zealand and all over the world.
“As the season went on, we just got better and better and more connected as a group, and then we managed to run away with it.
“I see it (the connection) now with the current U21s. They're here for a purpose, trying to crack it in footy.”
Matt Duffie
The 2009 Storm NYC squad was a rare exception to most Junior Representative set ups – with 10 players from the Grand Final day line-up moving on to first-grade football in the NRL. It’s a strike rate rarely seen in development pathways across the country.
“You always think about it, like would 50% of those players kicked on to NRL if they weren't a part of the Storm system at that point?,” Duffie explained.
“I know for myself, like I don't know if I would have the career I had unless I was here at that point.”
Not only did the playing group produce future NRL talent. Many of the 2009 U20s off field staff led by Head Coach Brad Arthur and Assistant Adam O’Brien went on to secure posts in the NRL.
“[Looking back], I'm surprised at how big and physical our players were, but it was based off how we did the preseason - the preseason was relentless,” Duffie said.
“Brad (Arthur) just ran a good program, both Brad and Adam (O’Brien) they ran it hard, but made it fun.”
On Sunday, Storm’s U21s will take the field at Commbank Stadium in Sydney looking to emulate a similar feat.
Mark Russell’s side has gone from strength to strength in season 2025 and has already begun to show the fruits of the Club’s investment in the Road to AAMI Park Pathways program, with a number of local Victorians helping take the Jersey Flegg squad to the big dance on Sunday.
The 2025 Jersey Flegg Grand Final will take place at CommBank Stadium on Sunday 28 September. Tickets are on sale here.
