“Melbourne Storm Rugby League Outreach: Engaging Fiji’s Community Ahead of Historic NRL Trial Match”
Ahead of their official NRL trial match scheduled to be held at Churchill Park in February, Melbourne Storm players and coaches will share their training and coaching methodologies with rugby league teams and educational institutions.
Tickets for these events are available for purchase at all Jacks of Fiji outlets as well as online. Additionally, the Storm has disclosed plans for activities involving the Kaiviti Silktails, local schools, and the Fiji NRL.
The week’s itinerary includes open training sessions, coaching clinics, and visits to schools. Furthermore, Fiji Bati Captain and Storm prop Tui Kamikamica, along with his teammates, will journey to his hometown of Somosomo.
Expressing his pride, Kamikamica stated, “Being able to showcase my hometown to my Storm teammates fills me with immense pride.”
He added, “This should instill great pride in our nation. I hope it motivates more youths to take up rugby league and aspire to become Storm players in the future.”
All of Fiji is excited about having Storm and the Knights play this trial match and I can’t wait to see the kids and families at the match and the clinics.
Tui Kamikamica
Kamikamica and his teammates will be flown by Fiji Airways to Taveuni, where they will engage with the local community and schools.
Supporters will have the opportunity to observe the Storm squad train at Churchill Park on Wednesday afternoon, while nearby rugby league coaches can participate in a private clinic with the Storm’s coaching staff.
Moreover, players will spend the week visiting elementary and secondary schools in preparation for the historic NRL game in Fiji.
According to Don Natabe, CEO of the Fiji National Rugby League, the Storm’s presence in Fiji will significantly promote the sport in 2024.
“The arrival of the Storm and Knights in Fiji has generated immense excitement within the rugby league community,” Natabe remarked.
All of Fiji is excited about having Storm and the Knights play this trial match and I can’t wait to see the kids and families at the match and the clinics.
Don NatabeCEO, Fiji National Rugby League
On February 24th, before the Storm takes on the Newcastle Knights, the Kaiviti Silktails will entertain the crowd with a pregame show. The Fijian community will have the chance to witness future NRL stars in action at the Silktails curtain raiser at Churchill Park.
Damon Spooner, general manager, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “It’s truly remarkable that a team like the Kaiviti Silktails is bringing such a high-caliber trial game to the Pacific region.”
“For Fiji, this is monumental,” Spooner continued. “The announcement has created quite a buzz in Lautoka. The players, staff, and board of the Kaiviti Silktails, who are gearing up for the NSWRL Jersey Flegg U21 competition, will always hold a special place for the Storm.”
“The presence of the Melbourne Storm and Newcastle Knights in Lautoka will undoubtedly inspire the next generation of talented Fijian athletes to pursue local career opportunities for years to come.”
The trial match and community events in Fiji are organized with the support of local partners Fiji Tourism, Sheraton, Radisson, Novotel, Tappoo Group, and Fiji Water, with Fiji Airways proudly sponsoring the Melbourne Storm.
