Melbourne Storm & Starlight Partnership Amplified by Budget Direct Footy Charity Championship
Melbourne Storm is proud to celebrate 10 years of partnership with the Starlight Children’s Foundation, with Storm Platinum Partner Budget Direct amplifying its impact through the new Budget Direct Footy Charity Championship.
Budget Direct is leveraging its sponsorship of Melbourne Storm, the Dolphins and South Sydney Rabbitohs with a unique competition based on the clubs’ head-to-head clashes throughout the regular season.
The Championship will see the teams competing to secure significant donations from Budget Direct for their nominated charities, with $100,000, $50,000 and $25,000 up for grabs. Storm will proudly play for the Starlight Children’s Foundation.
The Club’s annual Starlight Round takes place this Saturday 30 May as Storm hosts the Sydney Roosters at AAMI Park, with the ‘Shining Brighter Together’ themed game aiming to raise $100,000 in vital funds and awareness for Starlight.
In preparation for Starlight Round, Melbourne Storm and Budget Direct visited the Starlight Express Room at Royal Children’s Hospital on Monday, spending time with children, families and staff while celebrating the impact of the long-standing partnership.
Melbourne Storm CEO Justin Rodski said the Club was proud to celebrate a decade alongside Starlight with the new support from Budget Direct this year.
“Starlight Round holds a special place in our Club, and to celebrate 10 years of partnership with Starlight with the additional support of Budget Direct makes this year even more significant,” Rodski said.
“We’re proud to have Budget Direct supporting our partnership with Starlight through the Footy Charity Championship. Their contribution will help raise vital funds and awareness for Starlight and the children who need it most.”
Budget Direct Chief Growth Officer Jonathan Kerr added: “Our sponsorships are first and foremost partnerships where we collaborate to invest in what matters most to the clubs, the players, and their communities.
“It’s truly an honour to help deepen this important, long-standing relationship between Storm and Starlight and so rewarding to see the Budget Direct Footy Charity Championship harness the power of sport to bring people together and drive positive impact.”
Storm prop Josh King, a regular visitor to the Starlight Express Room, highlighted the importance of supporting Starlight and the significance of Budget Direct’s contribution.
“Every visit to Starlight is a powerful reminder of what really matters and how much these moments mean for the kids and their families,” King said.
“As players, we’re proud to wear the purple jersey and represent Starlight, and we’re grateful to have partners like Budget Direct supporting the cause through the Footy Charity Championship.”
Footy fans can also enter the Budget Direct Footy Charity Championship, which runs until 26 July, for the chance to win one of three $10,000 prizes. Plus, Budget Direct will donate an additional $10,000 to a charity of each winner’s choice. Storm fans might like to also support Starlight or choose another registered charity close to their heart.
To enter the competition click here.
For more information on Melbourne Storm’s 2026 Starlight Round click here.
