Storm’s coming: Melbourne’s Coast camp locked in

Nrl powerhouse club Melbourne Storm will arrive on the Sunshine Coast today where they will be based for two weeks

Cameron Smith and the Melbourne Storm will arrive on the Sunshine Coast today for a two-week camp. Photo: Mark Metcalfe

NRL powerhouse club Melbourne Storm will arrive on the Sunshine Coast today where they will be based temporarily.

A total of 55 players and staff will be involved in the camp, which is based at the Twin Waters Resort with the club to use training facilities at Sunshine Coast Stadium.

The Queensland Government has granted the club an exemption which allows the players and staff, who have been following strict COVID-19 protocols, to relocate to the sunshine state.

The Storm’s Round 8 clash with the Sydney Roosters has been switched from AAMI Park to Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane.

Storm CEO Dave Donaghy said the initial camp would be for a two-week period, with the ultimate goal of bringing the squad back to Melbourne when it is safe to do so.

“Sunshine Coast is the best option available to us in the circumstances we face at the moment and we would like to thank the Queensland Government for its assistance in making this relocation possible,” Mr Donaghy said.

“We have strong links with Queensland and especially on the Sunshine Coast with our successful Lightning Super Netball team and our partnership with the Sunshine Coast Falcons.

“Even though we won’t be able to undertake public activities such as an open training session during this camp, I know our squad will be warmly welcomed and looked after as they prepare for the Roosters game on Thursday night and then the trip to face the Raiders in Canberra in round nine.

“I’m sure our Victorian-based members and fans who missed out on seeing their team at home against the Warriors last night, and won’t be able to attend the Roosters game on Thursday night, understand the situation we are in at the moment.”

Twin Waters Resort has allocated exclusive areas for Storm’s use to minimise the health risks and family members of players and staff will also be allowed to stay at the resort with restrictions in place.

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