Melbourne Storm players were the stars of the show at 18 local rugby clubs last week, including at the Truganina Rabbitohs.
Storm players visited 18 local rugby league clubs across Melbourne and Geelong as part of the club’s community program partnering with NRL Victoria to help grow the game after significant impacts during COVID-affected seasons.
Storm captain Christian Welch said the players enjoyed getting back to the grassroots of the sport.
“I remember seeing my heroes visit schools and clubs when I was playing junior football and wanting to become a NRL player,” he said.
“It’s so important for us all to remember where we’ve come from and that we are in a fortunate position to be playing at NRL level.
“The volunteers at our community rugby league clubs put so much time and energy into giving these kids a chance to play on the weekend, so to be able to give them something to look forward to was a small but important thing for us to do.
“Our clubs here in Victoria were the hardest hit across the country during those COVID years. I know the players are keen to do what we can to help them get back on their feet.
NRL Victoria general manager Brent Silva said the partnership with Storm has not only increased playing numbers but has helped increase the overall interest in the game.
