Campbelltown emerges as surprise contender for Melbourne Storm training base

A Sydney council has emerged as a shock contender to be the training base for the Melbourne Storm, following Albury Council’s rejection of the NRL club using council facilities.

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A Sydney council has emerged as a shock contender to be the training base for the Melbourne Storm, following Albury Council’s rejection of the NRL club using council facilities.

Campbelltown Council has confirmed “discussions” with the NRL had taken place to host a team during the coronavirus pandemic, with Campbelltown Sports Stadium offered up.

Josh Addo-Carr in action in Albury. Picture: Scott Barbour

The squad will train in the regional city for the short-term future.

Just hours after Albury Council voted to block Melbourne Storm from using council-owned facilities on Tuesday night, long-time Campbelltown councillor Paul Lake suggested bringing the NRL team to Sydney’s southwest.

“I said to (Campbelltown Mayor) George (Briticevic), maybe we should make contact,” he said. “I thought it might not be a bad opportunity.”

“We have a playing field which isn’t being used at all so it’s in good condition. If they wanted to use a pool and gym, Eagle Vale Central is not being used which could be made available. It just makes sense.”

Campbelltown Council has been in ‘discussions’ with the NRL. Picture: Brett Atkins

For now, the Storm’s 32 players and 18 staff members will be based in Albury and train at the non-council run Albury Sports Ground.

Incoming A-League franchise Macarthur FC will play out of Campbelltown Sports Stadium from later this year, with local politicians recently campaigning for the state government to upgrade the precinct.

Wests Tigers, who train in Concord, play three home matches a year in Campbelltown,