Melbourne Storm
Hannah Hammoud
The Melbourne Storm is expanding its high-performance program to schools, including Victoria University Secondary College, to develop the next generation of NRL players.
Led by academy coach Matt Duffie, pathways coach Mark Russell, pathways performance coach Nick Le Comte, dietitian Georgia Walker, and wellbeing coordinator Dylan Wolfgramm, the Storm’s full-time pathway coaches and staff will conduct weekly sessions at the school.
These sessions will offer expert guidance in skill development, strength and conditioning, nutrition, and player welfare.
The club’s long-term goal of producing more Melbourne-born NRL players has driven the Storm to commit to nurturing local talent and promoting a strong rugby league culture in Victoria.
The program aims to bridge the gap between school and elite-level rugby league. Other participating schools include The Grange P-12, Mt Ridley College, and Hallam Secondary College.
Coaches and staff will work closely with schools to provide tailored training and support, ensuring aspiring players receive the guidance and resources they need to succeed.
Pathways coach Mark Russell stated that the program’s rollout is a significant step in Storm’s commitment to grassroots development.
“The program has been really good, and the boys have been very responsive. They’re obviously pretty keen on playing rugby league, and this allows them to be exposed to a high-performance program,” he said.
“We’re focusing heavily on ensuring the next generation of Melbourne Storm footballers come from Melbourne, and our local schools play a big part in this.
“We’re proud of what we’re doing. Melbourne Storm has only produced four Melbourne-bred players so far. We’ve identified that and aim to double those numbers in the next five to 10 years.”
