LeagueNews.co | Robbie Hamilton
Melbourne Storm is leading the way in breaking barriers for female talent in rugby league, with the support of the Australian Government.
The club has launched the Breaking Barriers program to encourage more women and girls to play, coach, and referee the sport in Victoria.
This initiative is part of the Government's Play the Way scheme and aims to increase the number of female coaches and referees in the state.
Storm CEO Justin Rodski highlighted the importance of this program, stating that it would build on the success of the club's existing female development program.
Introduced in 2024, the program saw 98 players from across the state trial to join the team.
The Breaking Barriers program will also prepare players for Storm's future entry into the Lisa Fiaola U17 and Tarsha Gale U19 NSW Rugby League competitions.
At the official launch of the program at AAMI Park, Minister for Sport Anika Wells joined Rodski, Captain Harry Grant, and young players and referees Mahlia Davys, Pearl Potesio, Taylor Marama, and Deandrea Morgan.
This event symbolized the club's commitment to promoting gender equality and diversity within the sport.
By providing opportunities for women and girls to participate in various roles within rugby league, Melbourne Storm is paving the way for a more inclusive and diverse future in the sport.
The support from the Australian Government and the success of programs like Breaking Barriers are essential steps in creating a more equitable playing field for all athletes.
as Rodski emphasized, "The support of the Australian Government would build on the success of the Club's female development program."