In the face of potential expansion threats, the Melbourne Storm have made a significant move to secure the Sunshine Coast Falcons’ support in the future.
The Storm have been affiliated with the Sunshine Coast Falcons for years and have finally made the decision to develop a new, full-fledged talent pipeline in the region.
The Sunshine Coast Falcons and Southeast Queensland have devised an elite pathway to the NRL for youth, according to the club.
The Storm have been blessed with a flood of talent from Queensland throughout the years, including three of its biggest talents, Billy Slater, Cooper Cronk, and Cameron Smith.
Cameron Munster is also a Queenslander on the current squad.
“We’ve been in partnership with the Sunshine Coast Falcons since 2014, and this is another avenue through which we can increase our footprint in the Sunshine Coast region,” said former Storm player and current club head of pathways Tim Glasby in a statement.
“Historically, non-selected NRL-listed players have dropped back into the Q-Cup competition, so we already have a strong relationship with the Club.”
“Trent Loiero is a great example of a player who was recruited directly from the Falcons to Storm, as is Christian Welch from our other Feeder Club Brisbane Easts, so we understand how important these pathways are in providing that direct opportunity to play first-grade football.”
“We’re really excited about this programme which enables us to invest in the local talent and hopefully get them to a position where they are ready to play in the NRL.”
The pathway, which will see the Storm and Falcons maintain their close relationship, also includes the NRL club gaining NSW Cup outfit the North Sydney Bears as a feeder outfit for 2024, which Zero Tackle understands will be heavily supported by many of the top players based in Melbourne playing for the club rather than travelling to Queensland each week.
The Falcons are expected to sign a number of players who will be stationed in Queensland for the majority of the season and will not have to travel as much back and forth.
However, the Storm’s march on the Sunshine Coast coincides with the Dolphins’ attempt to take over the north side of Brisbane. The club just purchased the Norths Devils from the Brisbane Broncos and intends to make the region their own, perhaps reducing the Storm’s pool and talent recruiting areas.
Another Queensland-based team could be accepted to the NRL if they decide to expand again, most likely in time for the 2027 season.
Toby Poole, a long-time member of the Storm and Falcons, will lead the pathways, with selected players beginning training this week in three on-field and two weight sessions per week.
