Geelong Sharks part of Melbourne Storm Academy

Geelong Sharks are not just the region’s newest sporting team, but also a pathway to the big leagues and professional rugby league. Find out how here.

26-01-2023 Melbourne Storm training at GMHBA Stadium, Geelong. Storm players Dean Ieremia and Xavier Coates with fans Jackson Tangata, 7, Logan Murdoch, 11, Ethan Mayo, 10 and Amelia Howson, 7.Picture: Brad Fleet

GUN Storm winger Xavier Coates says his club is determined to tap into Geelong’s sporting talent as the Melbourne club sets up an academy program in the bayside city.

The Geelong Sharks is the latest instalment of Melbourne Storm’s junior development pathway, with the new rugby league club set to compete in the NRLVIC competitions from 2023.

Coates, who came through Brisbane Broncos’ feeder club Redcliffe Dolphins in 2019 before making his NRL debut, said academy programs were the lifeblood of the sport.

“It’s very exciting, what we want to do at Melbourne is breed that homegrown talent, this (Geelong Sharks) is a step towards that,” he said.

“You see what clubs do up in Queensland and New South Wales and we want to do the exact same down here in Melbourne because it’s all AFL based down here.

Storm players Dean Ieremia and Xavier Coates with Geelong Sharks juniors Jackson Tangata, 7, Logan Murdoch, 11, Ethan Mayo, 10 and Amelia Howson, 7.Picture: Brad Fleet

“So it’d be good to get some homegrown talent, some NRL talent down here and hopefully we can develop that through clubs like the Geelong Sharks, that’d be unreal.

“Not too many people notice the Storm too much down here, it’s Geelong Cats down here.”

Storm winger Dean Ieremia said it was “inspiring” to see future NRL stars get the chance to progress through an academy program in Geelong.

“It’s inspiring for me as a Victorian boy coming through the NRL system, to see another club joining shows how big the NRL is getting around Australia and the AFL state,” he said.

“I’m proud to see other youngsters trying to achieve that goal, and it’s great to see the club trying to promote that growth within the state

“It brings joy and hope for the future of rugby league in Victoria, so it’s very exciting to see.”

Originally published as Geelong Sharks part of Melbourne Storm Academy