Melbourne Storm lays foundations for NRLW team with development program
Melbourne Storm is seeking young female athletes from all codes – including netball, Aussie rules and soccer – to help the club create history.
Melbourne Storm has laid the foundations for a future NRLW side by establishing a new pathway for female players in Victoria.
The club is seeking athletes born in 2008 or 2009 from any code – including netball, Aussie rules, soccer, rugby union and, of course, league – to try out for the inaugural Storm Female Development program.
“(Working towards an NRLW team) is our aim,” Storm’s female pathway program manager Pauline Poloai said.
“A lot goes into creating an NRLW team. We’ll be working with our commercial partners, the NRL and the state government to evolve this program into this.
“Recently, we’ve had such an increase in grassroots participation with NRL Victoria. And the Matildas effect and (record crowds at) the last two Women’s State of Origin games speak volumes as to why we should back female sport.”
She urged any girls “willing to give rugby league a go” to try out at upcoming combines at Werribee’s VU Sporting Complex on June 16 and Casey Warriors RL Club on June 23.
The chosen squad will undertake a 12-week training and development program with Storm coaches and play trial matches in NSW.
“There is no specific criteria as to what type of athlete we’re looking for,” said Poloai, a former netballer-turned-rugby league player herself.
“The combines will be all about seeing how the girls run, catch, pass, and their power and athleticism.
“This program is there to help nurture these girls to become greater athletes.”
The NRLW competition will be expanded to 12 teams and an 11-week season in 2025, with the introduction of the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs and the New Zealand Warriors.
This year marked the first time the Women’s State of Origin series comprised three matches, rather than two, with Queensland and NSW to play out a much-anticipated decider in Townsville on June 27.
For more information about the Storm Female Development program, visit melbournestorm.com.au/news/2024/05/30/join-storms-female-pathways
Originally published as Melbourne Storm lays foundations for NRLW team with development program
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