The Melbourne Storm has announced that Mark Russell, the head coach of the NSW Cup team, will be leaving to move to Sydney for a new coaching position next season.
Russell joined the club in 2023, working within the Jersey Flegg system, and was elevated to head coach and pathways responsibilities in 2024.
Last year, his team secured the minor premiership, finishing the regular season with a record of 17 wins and six losses, and then triumphed over Penrith to capture the Grand Final, marking the Storm's first Under 21s championship.
This year, Russell took on the head coach role for the NSW Cup team after demonstrating exceptional leadership in the junior pathways, with eight of his Jersey Flegg players advancing to the NRL under his guidance.
Players like Cooper Clarke, Siulagi Tuimalatu-Brown, Jai Bowden, Angus Hinchey, and Hugo Peel are among those who progressed.
Russell played a significant role in the Storm's pathway initiative, 'Road to AAMI Park,' which serves as a local academy and offers a direct route to the NRL for prospective club players.
Before departing, Russell expressed his gratitude to the club for his time there.
"I will be forever grateful for my time at Melbourne Storm and in particular the way my family has been accepted with open arms," Russell stated in a Storm announcement.
"The past four years have been extremely rewarding in terms of players moving through the program and of course having some on-field success. I hope that my time here has been of benefit to the pathway's players, staff, and program in general.