Victorian pathways set to play a crucial role in Melbourne Storm’s ongoing NRL success

They’ve been among the top NRL clubs since their inception, but the Melbourne Storm have long struggled to build from within. That’s set to change with their most complete pathways program in full swing.

The Melbourne Storm created history with their first Harold Matthews Cup win at the weekend. Picture: Sean Teuma

February 24 is a date that will forever be etched in Melbourne Storm folklore.

While winning a regulation Harold Matthews Cup fixture mightn’t seem like anything out of the ordinary, it’s indicative of a true shift in Victorian league.

The Storm notched up their first ever victory over the Balmain Tigers in the NSWRL U17s competition.

This year is the first time the Storm has fielded pathways teams in both male divisions, and Harold Matthews coach Tony Adam said it’s part of a planned shift in attitude to help develop players from a younger age.

“We’re really excited about the pathway that’s been created by the Storm and for these local boys to get an opportunity,” Adam said.

“For us it’s a reward for a lot of hard work. We knew it was going to be a big jump in standard. We’ve adapted quite well.

“It’s critical. I’ve been down there 10 years now and I think that was the missing piece to the puzzle.

“Now any aspiring 13 and 14-year-old can see there’s a genuine pathway. They don’t have to leave Victoria.

Lockyer-Azile Foliola is a highly regarded hooker coming through the Victorian ranks. Picture: Sean Teuma

“The Storm have put in unprecedented resources. I can’t thank them enough for what they’ve done for the boys and the environment they’ve helped create.

“These boys don’t realise how good they’ve got it and what Frank Ponissi (Melbourne general manager of football) and his team have done for us.”

With the full backing of Ponissi, Adam said the goal in the coming years is to build these pathways talents into future NRL representatives.

Storm SG Ball fullback Hugo Peel is also a member of the Melbourne Rebels Academy. Picture: Sean Teuma

“We give these aspiring young players the tools and try to create an environment where they can flourish and build their game.

“More importantly they’re in the Storm’s sights now. The lens is firmly on them and if they’re good enough they’ll get the opportunity.

“Frank’s openly said they want to develop more players from within Victoria and they want to promote from within.

“That gives us hope going forward.”

Micah Warena is the captain of the U17s side. Picture: Sean Teuma

Results for both Harold Matthews and SG Ball teams have been very encouraging to start the season, with the pair currently sitting seventh in their respective competitions.

While they don’t have the pool of players that most clubs in the NSWRL do, Adam said the opportunity to compete against the best and their efforts off the field are what is driving their success.

“It gives them exposure first and foremost,” he said.

“If they want to be an aspiring NRL player, they get to see what they have to do and the competition that’s out there.

“You’re not too aware until you come up and are exposed to Sydney competition. You realise you have to work really hard to get any sort of results.

“They have that ambition now. The standards and expectations have never been set so high.

“They’re all homegrown. At U15s, U16s level there’s only six or eight teams in those competitions so we only have a small talent pool, but what we have got is plenty of spirit and pride down there.”