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 at Casey Fields on Saturday January 14.
The open session in the new year, at the Casey Warriors’ home ground, will be the second leg of the Storm’s trip around Melbourne’s outer suburbs, which is where rugby league’s popularity in Victoria is strongest.
Storm’s NRL squad will head west to the Werribee Bears’ home ground, Haines Drive Reserve, on Saturday 19 November, to continue their preparations for the start of the 2023 NRL season.
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,” said 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 was also excited by the Storm’s commitment to its local communities.
“This is a fabulous opportunity for the community to get up close and connect with the stars of the game,” Silva said.
“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 to 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 12 February (1.50pm kick-off) – 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.
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.
Storm Open Training Sessions
• Saturday, 19 November, (9am to 1pm): Werribee Bears home ground, Haines Drive Reserve, Werribee
• Saturday, 14 January, (9am to 1pm): Casey Warriors home ground, Casey Fields, Cranbourne.
