Stars from Melbourne Storm were out in force in Wyndham on Saturday, giving back to grassroots rugby league clubs in the area.
The Storm held its Back to the Juniors day, where players visited local clubs to perform a variety of volunteer roles, including running the water, refereeing games, scoring and helping out in the canteen.
Kevin Proctor, Marika Koroibete, Felise Kaufusi, Scott Drinkwater and Dale Finucane attended the Werribee Bears junior training, while Jordan McLean, Nelson Asofa-Solomona and Ben Nakubuwai were at the newly established Truganina Rabbitohs.
Bears president James Te Whata told Star Weekly it was massive for the juniors at his club to meet the Storm contingent.
“The kids look up to these players and they want to play NRL like these guys,” he said.
“Some of these young kids go to watch the Storm at AAMI Park and they got to rub shoulders with them and talk about what it takes to get to the NRL.
“They want to be like them and that’s why they train and play and buy their jerseys.
“It’s awesome the Storm are doing these kinds of things.”
Werribee has enjoyed an unexpected lift in junior numbers this season.
The Bears had to go to their kit supplier to get 70 new jerseys made to accommodate the increase in registrations.
It was a nice surprise for the Bears considering the Rabbitohs were launched only recently in a neighbouring suburb and Altona Roosters have this season moved into nearby Altona Meadows, which has been a strong catchment area for the Bears since their inception.
“The numbers have grown tremendously,” Te Whata said.
“We’ve ended up with more juniors than expected.”
Rugby league clubs in Victoria are always looking to expand, which is why the Storm’s presence at events like the Back to the Juniors day is such a welcome addition to the club calendar.
In first grade, Werribee Bears have made a flying start to the season with four wins from five starts.
They overcame Doveton Steelers 40-24 at President’s Park on Saturday after a tumultuous week, Phil Pese taking over as interim coach after Joe Diamond resigned.
“Phil’s an experienced coach who made the grand final last year, so we should be fine,” Te Whata said.
“He’s only been put in for the interim … we don’t know what his plans are for the rest of the season.”
