Melbourne Storm to prepare at their home away from home on Central Coast Reigning NRL premiers the Melbourne Storm will be heading to the Central Coast for a week of training and promotions in preparation for their Round 25 clash against the Newcastle Knights at EnergyAustralia Stadium.
Hosted by the Central Coast Rugby League, the Storm will be arriving in Terrigal on Tuesday August 26th following their game against the Penrith Panthers, before heading to Newcastle on Friday, August 29th for their game the following day.
Storm Football Operations Manager Frank Ponissi believes the opportunity to spend some time on the Central Coast leading up to the Knights game was too good an opportunity to miss.
“Coming to the Central Coast between the Panthers and Knights games is a real win-win situation for us,” said Ponissi.
“Firstly, it means we don’t have to try and fit in flights back to Melbourne and then up to Newcastle in the five days between games, while also trying to prepare for such an important game.
“Secondly, we get to spend an extended period of time in a place we regard as our second home. With our ties to the Central Coast with the NSW VB Cup team and the junior academies, we really enjoy coming up here and helping to promote rugby league as best we can.”
With Melbourne now a game clear on top of the ladder, the time spent on the Central Coast will be crucial in the Storm’s quest to become the first team in NRL history to win the minor premiership three years in a row.
“Winning the J.J Giltinan Shield as minor premiers is really important to us,” said Ponissi.
“To be on top of the ladder after such a gruelling season is a huge achievement, and if we could do that three years in a row would show just how special this Melbourne Storm outfit is.
“Our week on the Central Coast could be the most important week in our season so far in terms of trying to create that rare piece of history.”
Not only will the public be able to attend a training session at Blue Tongue Stadium on the Wednesday, but there will be a signing session afterwards with all players in attendance including superstars of the game such as Billy Slater, Greg Inglis and Cam Smith.
The Storm coaching staff will also be doing their bit, with head coach Craig Bellamy and his assistant Michael Maguire addressing the Central Coast under-15 and under-17 Academy squads after the Wednesday training session at Bluetongue Stadium, and current New Zealand head coach Stephen Kearney will be attending the Central Coast Presentation Night at the Central Coast Leagues Club on the Thursday night.
For more information contact: Frank Ponissi – Melbourne Storm Football Operations Manager – 0400 040 574 Scott Wyatt – Central Coast Rugby League General Manager – 0437 977 233 |
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Chris Couch Media Manager
Melbourne Storm Rugby League Club Mobile: 0407 154 836 | Ph: (03) 8412 4907 | Fax: (03) 8412 4962 Princes Park, Gate 3, Royal Parade, Carlton North VIC 3054 PO Box 141 Parkville VIC 3052 E-mail: ccouch@melbournestorm.com.au Website: www.melbournestorm.com.au | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Chris Couch Media Manager
Melbourne Storm Rugby League Club Princes Park, Gate 3, Royal Parade, Carlton North VIC 3054 PO Box 141 Parkville VIC 3052 E-mail: ccouch@melbournestorm.com.au Website: www.melbournestorm.com.au | ||
