Melbourne Storm’s Female Pathways program has wrapped up a historic inaugural campaign, marking the first year the Club has fielded teams in both the Lisa Fiaola Cup and Tarsha Gale Cup competitions.
The 2026 season represented an important milestone for Storm, with the introduction of female development pathways creating new opportunities for young rugby league players across Victoria and beyond.
From the first kick-off in Round 1 to finals football in the closing weeks of the season, the 2026 campaign showcased the growing strength of the women’s game and the bright future ahead for the Club throughout Victoria.
Lisa Fiaola Cup (U17): Finals Success in Debut Season
Storm’s Lisa Fiaola Cup side delivered an outstanding first campaign, finishing the regular season in sixth position (four wins and three defeats) before progressing to week two of the finals.
Their resilience was on full display in the first week of finals, edging a thrilling 27-26 victory over the Cronulla Sharks, thanks to a late field goal, to keep their season alive.
To reach the second week of finals in the first year of the program is a significant achievement and a testament to the hard work of the players, coaches and staff.
Tarsha Gale Cup (U19): Building Strong Foundations
Melbourne Storm’s Tarsha Gale Cup side also made important strides throughout their debut season, gaining valuable experience in one of the hardest junior female competitions in the country.
The side secured memorable and hard-fought victories, while consistently competing each week. While results only tell part of the story, the season laid a strong foundation for future success as the team developed combinations, standards and experience that will benefit the players and the program for years to come.
Melbourne Storm extends its thanks to the Australian Government’s ‘Play Our Way’ program, whose support over the last two years has made a significant contribution to the development and growth of the Club’s female pathways program, including the growth and development of referees and coaches.
The Club also thanks its valued commercial partners for their continued commitment to women’s rugby league and the future of the game.
Female Pathways Partners
Women of Storm Partners
