NRL CEO Andrew Abdo has revealed why he thinks Melbourne Storm have been so successful since their introduction to the competition in 1997.
The Storm have clinched their sixth minor premiership in 2024 with one round to play and will be aiming for their fifth premiership in the upcoming finals series.
Also with four runners-up positions across their existence, Abdo lauded the Storm for their ability to be a strong team season after season.
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“The Storm have demonstrated consistency and excellence on the field for many, many years now,” Abdo told NRL.com.
“This club is all about excellence on and off the field and it was a real privilege for me to be able to celebrate that with the team, and the captain and the coach.”
It was big move for the Storm into AFL heartland in 1997, but Abdo believes the club has made great strides in Victoria through the last 27 years.
And the NRL boss believes rugby league will only continue to grow in Victoria through the coming years.
“When the Storm was first formed, it was a brave, bold move to enter into a state that had predominantly been AFL, but the Storm created a winning culture and importantly, created a blueprint for success,” Abdo said.
“It’s not just on the field, but also commercially and the connection with fans; a great strong loyal membership, great relationships with corporates and there's a lot that can be taken for new teams entering the competition.
“We’re in an era where the NRL and the Storm together are investing more aggressively into participation and pathways.
“We've seen the biggest growth in participation in Victoria for many, many years over the last few years and this year, particularly and it's all ages and it's all genders, so boys and girls coming through age group competitions.
“We want to see more kids playing at club and school level.
"Hopefully in the next few years, we're going to be seeing more and more Melbourne Storm players coming through, having played their junior football in Victoria. That's our goal and that's exciting.”
