NRL Victoria Female Academy Archives - OurFootyTeam

Victorian rugby league reaches record numbers

ourfooty — Wed, 02 Jul 2025 01:39:19 +0000

Victorian rugby league reaches record numbers

NRL Victoria has reached a historic milestone, recording more than 6,000 player registrations for the 2025 season- the highest number in the history of rugby league in the state.

In a week where Storm will celebrate grassroots rugby league in Victoria, culminating in Sunday’s Round 17 match against Cronulla, local registrations have surpassed 2024 figures across both the Storm Junior League and Storm Premiership.

New records have been set in every junior age group from Under 6s through to Under 18s including unprecedented numbers of both male and female participants in each age category.

Overall, player registrations have risen by 11.6% year-on-year with female participation continuing to grow rapidly, up 15.2% from 2024, while male registrations have increased by 10.4%.

Rugby league in Victoria continues to build strong momentum, with consistent annual growth positioning the sport for long-term success.

NRL Victoria General Manager Brent Silve welcomed the milestone, crediting the dedication of volunteers and the strength of grassroots development.

“We’re incredibly proud to surpass 6,000 registrations across Victorian community club rugby league for the first time,” Silva said.

“It’s a testament to the tireless efforts of our volunteers who continue to grow the game in their communities and to Melbourne Storm who proactively support and engage in the growth of our community clubs.”

“The significant rise in junior and female participation reflects the inclusive and accessible environment we’re working hard to foster- making rugby league a game for everyone.”

The growth of the game at grassroots level also comes at a time where the Melbourne Storm Pathways Program is as strong as ever, providing local talent a clear path to the purple jersey and the elite level.

In 2025, the entirety of the Storm Harold Matthews U17 side was made up of Victorians who play their junior football at local clubs across the state.

Sunday’s City of Casey Community Round will kick-off with activity on Gosch’s Paddock from 11:30am with Metro Trains supporting the Community Round as official match day partner.

2024 Victorian U16’s schoolgirls squad

ourfooty — Sat, 04 May 2024 10:47:22 +0000

2024 Victorian U16’s schoolgirls squad

Author : Victorian Rugby League

2024 Victorian U16’s schoolgirls squad announcement

Congratulations to the following players who have been selected for the 2024 NRL Victoria U16’s Schoolgirls Squad.

2024 NRL Victoria U16’s Schoolgirls Squad

Akoija George
Alexis Fenton
Dalize Feo
De’charnah Williams-Hale
Dhillon Baker
Eboni Heurea
Heather Nasilai
Juliana Kolio
Justice Huriwai Daymond
Kayla Horvat
Lennox Tuivasa
Mahlia Davys
Miliana Afu
Nikita Jaye Faoa
Ocean Kaiwai
Oriana Ioane
Rozaliah Matavao
Sierra Te’o
Temukisa Misa
Urshelah Lie Kohunui

Shadows

Dandelian Luamanu
Jillian Vaai
Monique Maireroay
Harmony Taupau
Akeelah Coffin

Storm SG Ball Squad Announced for 2023

ourfooty — Tue, 31 Jan 2023 03:33:31 +0000

Storm SG Ball Squad Announced

Author : Rugby League Victoria

Storm SG Ball Squad Announced for 2023

Congratulations to the following players who have been selected for the 2023 Melbourne Storm U19s SG Ball Squad.

The Melbourne Storm teams have changed their name this year from the Victoria Thunderbolts which competed in the NSWRL SG Ball and Jersey Flegg Competitions last year.

Melbourne Storm U19s host Canberra in Round 1 of the NSWRL SG Ball competition on February 4 at Comely Banks Recreation Reserve in Officer.

Kick off is 12pm.

SG Ball Squad

Bishop Walker
Clayton Tapelu
Daniel Boe
Dickie Terepo
Edward Stowers
Ethan Van Gelderen
Hugo Peel
Ioane Lui
James Finau
Josiah Moreli Alama
Kobi Heurea
Kristian Tornatore
Levi Osei
Leviticus Amiatu
Matthew Logopati
Muao Kaisala
Nelson Solo
Nisifolo Fauonuku
Philip Telea
Reece Winston
Rhylis Hohepa
River Richards
Rua Ropoama
Semisi Liu
Siulagi Pio
Suli Pole
Vincent Fifita

Coach Development Program

Guided by the RISE Program Head Coach, participants of the RISE Coach Development Program (Development Coaches) will receive education in contemporary coaching practices.

Strength & conditioning and socio-emotional development whilst leading and mentoring a group of players through a tailored series of training sessions and workshops that aim to provide players with the tools they need to reach their potential.

At the completion of the program, coaches will receive the NRL RISE Development Coach Accreditation

2023 will see three programs run across Melbourne:

South East – Casey Fields, Casey

North – Anderson Reserve, Broadmeadows

West – Bruce Comben Reserve, Altona

Session Dates –

Session 1 – Sunday 7 May – 9am – 12pm

Session 2 – Monday 5 June – 530pm – 8pm

Session 3 – Monday 10 July – 530pm – 8pm

Session 4 – Monday 14 August – 530pm – 8pm

Session 5 – Monday 11 September – 530pm – 8pm

Form attached below:

https://forms.office.com/r/TZMUF78qPx

Any questions, please contact Tim Auremi – nrlviccoaching@nrl.com.au

NSWRL Junior Reps Trial game Action Photo’s

Roosters v Dragons

Tarsha Gale Cup

Harold Matthews Cup

SG Ball Cup

Bulldogs v Sharks

Harold Matthews Cup

SG Ball Cup

Tarsha Gale Cup

Harvey Norman Wonmens Premiership

The post Storm SG Ball Squad Announced for 2023 appeared first on OurFootyTeam.

2023 Victorian U16s & 17s Development Squads

ourfooty — Fri, 04 Nov 2022 09:51:50 +0000

2023 Victorian U16s & 17s Development Squads

Author : Rugby League Victoria

2023 Victorian U16s & 17s Development Squads

Congratulations to the following players who have been selected for 2023 NRL Victoria U16s and U17s Development squads in both the Northwest and Southeast regions.

Training will commence at The Grange, Hoppers Crossing at 5:30pm on 15 November 2023.

All further correspondence will made via email.

Please see attached squads for each respective region below.

North West squad

Acholles Ngaue
Bailey Crichton
Burnham Salea
Chae Sinclair
David Tuariki
Deacon King
Demeters Lavea
Denzo Atileo
Efaraima Sialaoa
Elijah Po Ching
Filipo Faamanu
Harvey Savage
Hunter Lafoga
Ivana Tuafuti
Jaden Ninda
Jesse Havea
Joseph Luianella
Kyu Fiaui
Lawrence Raponi
Lockyer – Azile Folola
Lorenzo Fifita
Maze Tearoa-Whererua
Matthew Kereti
Oshaye Lasei’Marsters
Peae Afungia
Parish Hunt
Shalom Uatisone
Zeph Faumuina

South East Squad

Aiden Thomas
Alijah Waetford
Bobby Deo
Cryus Jr Perenise
Ezekiel Tausili
Finn Mackay
Azaac Batey
Jeremiah Neli
Jethro Scanlan
Joseph Vela
Joshua Puna
Kain-Kalep Kamya
Latrelle Cordtz
Memphis Wallace
Micah Warena
Miracle Va
Nikau Crichton
Phoenix Woods
Ryder Sparrow
Tainui Whakaari
Tevita Tuima
Waka Hammond
Waka-Hokopa Brown-Rapana-Edwards

Action Photo’s

U17 Girls Lisa Fiaolo Cup

VIC Storm v Cronulla Sharks

VIC Storm v NR Bulldogs

CAS and Lisa Fiaola represent Victoria

ourfooty — Wed, 05 Oct 2022 04:21:04 +0000

CAS and Lisa Fiaola represent Victoria

Author : VIC Rugby League

CAS and Lisa Fiaola represent Victoria on big stage

Lisa Fiaola represent Victoria on big stage (Photo : Steve Montgomery)

The Combined Affiliated States and Lisa Fiaola U17’s sides have represented Victoria on the big stage in recent weeks, with the teams travelling interstate to play against competition from right around Australia.

Both the Men’s and U17’s CAS sides consisted of players selected from their performances in the 2022 Storm Junior League and Storm Premiership season.

Players from all clubs around Melbourne had the opportunity to come together to represent the State against the other affiliated states including South Australia, the Northern Territory and Western Australia.

The U17’s side came home with the silverware, claiming top honours after knocking off both South and Western Australia while the Men’s side only narrowly missed out on first place, finishing in second place behind WA.

There have been two CAS representatives that have gone on to play at the highest level

Dean Ieremia (Melbourne Storm) and Fonua Pole (Wests Tigers) both making their NRL debut’s. While talented youngster Sua Fa’alogo has also gone on to earn a Storm contract.

Pathways and Coaching Manager Tim Auremi said the CAS championship was a great opportunity for both squads to represent their state, while also assisting in their development moving forward.

Auremi said that this year’s tournament helps give the U17’s players an opportunity to experience representative rugby league, while also giving them a chance to audition for next year’s U18’s CAS and U19’s SG Ball side.

“Most of the players picked are eligible for CAS U18’s in 2023, so it gives us an opportunity to see who puts their hand up for next year’s squad,” he said.

It’s about blooding some of our young Victorian players

Lisa Fiaola represent Victoria on big stage (Photo : Steve Montgomery)

“It’s about blooding some of our young Victorian players and exposing them to high level footy, while also giving them a chance to show their talents for potential SG Ball selection,” Auremi said.

“Each player selected in both the U17’s and Men’s division has been picked from their performances in the Storm Junior league and Storm Premiership throughout 2022,” he said.

There were four Victorian players selected in the Men’s CAS merit team, with Ben McIntyre, Lehi Taomia, Takitau Mapapalangi and Alifeleti Ngahe all chosen.

VIC Merit team

Meanwhile, there was history made in the women’s space, with the very first Melbourne Storm U17’s taking part in the Lisa Fiaola Gala Day at Tuggerah in the Central Coast. The side recorded two wins, a draw and one loss.

The girls played a total of four games throughout the day, playing two 15-minute halves in games against the Newcastle Knights, Northern Bulldogs, Wests Tigers and Cronulla Sharks.

The squad was selected from an open trial held at Anderson Reserve in July, with the girls now notching valuable experience as they continue to develop their game down in Victoria.

The squad is made up of some of the best emerging female talent from the state, with Community Engagement Officer and Female Pathways Coordinator Pauline Poloai saying the Gala Day was extremely beneficial to the squad.

This was a great opportunity for the girls

“This was a great opportunity for the girls to get a taste of representative footy after coming through the RISE program.

This is their first ever experience in not only representing their state but the first ever Melbourne Storm Lisa Fiaola team,” Poloai said.

“It was a fantastic day, they got to experience rugby league in an another state and especially since the last two years it’s obviously been challenging to have a full season of rugby league,” she said.

“For them to come out and see where they compare to the other NSW teams, it was a great experience for the girls and the coaching staff.”

“It’s a great opportunity for them to see the pathways that are there, so that as the girls come through the years, they can now see that there is the potential pathway for them to go through to the top level,” she said.

“Once they get the taste here at the U17’s level, they now understand what it takes to become a professional athlete,” she said.

“As they now move through the ranks, those girls that are top-age will get selected for the Rookie RISE program and can see what it takes to be a part of the elite pathways and aspire to be the next NRLW player.”

Action Photo’s

U17 Girls Lisa Fiaolo Cup

VIC Storm v Cronulla Sharks

VIC Storm v NR Bulldogs

Lisa Fiaola Cup strengthening women’s pathways

nswrlmedia — Thu, 29 Sep 2022 07:34:24 +0000

Lisa Fiaola Cup strengthening women’s pathways

Author : Margie McDonald NSWRL

Return of Lisa Fiaola Cup key to strengthening women’s pathways

Creating the link between U17s and U19s girls wanting to continue to play Rugby League was further strengthened this week at the Lisa Fiaola Cup gala day at Tuggerah’s Central Coast Regional Sporting Complex.

Harvey Norman NSW Sky Blues head coach Kylie Hilder, who is also the NSWRL’s Female Pathways Manager, was on hand to see what the talent pool looks like this year.

There were 15 sides playing on Tuesday 27 September under the watchful eye of Hilder with several Sky Blues players helping in a coaching consultant role

“We don’t have winners coming out of the day. It was more about girls turning up and having a game of footy,” Hilder said.

“We’re trying to create that next step in the pathway. We need to fill that void in that younger age group before Tarsha Gale.”

Lisa Fiaola CupBaxter and Studdon mic’d up for Lisa Fiaola Cup (Photo : Steve Montgomery)

The Harvey Norman Tasha Gale Cup for U19s has been part of the NSWRL calendar since 2018. Twelve clubs took part in the 2022 season with the Sydney Roosters Indigenous Academy beating the Newcastle Knights 12-10 in the grand final.

Hilder said it was her hope that an U17s competition could be set up running in tandem with the U19s.

“We need to accommodate these younger girls and watching them today I can tell you there’s some extremely good talent,” she said.

It was the first Lisa Fiaola Cup gala day in three years – the previous two being cancelled due to COVID-19.

“There were only about five teams back then,” Hilder said. “But the standard and level here is extremely impressive. Looking at some of these girls it looks like they’ve been playing for five years already.”

Another plan on the horizon is starting a Sky Blues Academy, where players from the Lisa Fiaola would be identified and invited to train there.

This week games consisted of 10-minute halves and teams were spread across three pools. Each team played four matches with a total of 360 females taking part in the event.

Teams came from Parramatta Eels, Central Coast Roosters, Victoria Storm, Newcastle Knights, Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, Wests Tigers, Illawarra Steelers, Penrith Panthers, South Sydney Rabbitohs, Northern Tigers, Northern Rivers Titans, St George Dragons, North Coast Bulldogs, Western Rams, and Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks.

Full Score Board

Round 1

Parramatta Eels 16 – 12 Penrith Panthers
Weststigers 4 – 4 Cronulla Sharks
Canterbury Bulldogs 8 – 8 South Sydney Rabbitoh’s
Central Coast Roosters 8 – 0 St. George Dragons
North Coast Bulldogs 8 – 4 Victoria Storm
Greater Northern Tigers 4 – 4 Western Rams

Round 2

Penrith Panthers 4 – 8 Northern Rivers Titans
Cronulla Sharks 12 – 8 Newcastle Knights
South Sydney Rabbitoh’s 0 – 28 Illawarra Steelers
Central Coast Roosters 4 – 20 Parramatta eels
North Coast Bulldogs 20 – 4 Weststigers
Greater Northern Tigers 12 – 4 Canterbury Bulldogs

Round 3

Northern Rivers Titans 8 – 12 St. George Dragons
Newcastle Knights 24 – 0 Western Rams
Illawarra Steelers 24 – 0 Western Rams
Penrith Panthers 0 – 12 Central Coast Roosters
Cronulla Sharks 12 – 16 North Coast Bulldogs
South Sydney Rabbitoh’s 8 – 16 Greater Northern Tigers

Round 4

Parramatta Eels 16 – 4 St. George Dragons
Weststigers 8 – 8 Western Rams
Canterbury Bulldogs 8 – 16 Western Rams
Central Coast Roosters 4 – 8 Northern Rivers Titans
North Coast Bulldogs 12 – 8 Newcastle Knights
Greater Northern Tigers 0 – 12 Illawarra Steelers

Round 5

St. George Dragons 16 – 12 Penrith Panthers
Victoria Storm 16 – 8 Cronulla Sharks
Western Rams 4 – 16 South Sydney Rabbitoh’s
Northern Rivers Titans 4 – 16 Parramatta Eels
Newcastle Knights 24 – 0 Canterbury Bulldogs

ACTION PHOTO GALLERIES

Cronulla Sharks v Weststigers

Cronulla Sharks v Newcastle Knights

Cronulla Sharks v VIC Storm

Cronulla Sharks v NR Bulldogs

St George Dragons v Parramatta Eels

Illawarra Steelers v Western Rams

Illawarra Steelers v Weststigers

NR Titans v Parramatta Eels

VIC Storm v NT Bulldogs

VIC Storm v Weststigers

Western Rams v Canterbury Bulldogs

Rugby League Victoria Female Academy

ourfooty — Tue, 01 Feb 2022 02:24:21 +0000

Rugby League Victoria Female Academy ‘has created a great learning environment’

Author : Victorian Rugby League

Rugby League Victoria Female Academy ‘has created a great learning environment’

Members of the NRL Victoria Female Academy will return to club training next week.

The program that has seen some of Victoria’s best female rugby league talent come together to train and learn over the past 12-weeks finishing up phase 1 of the academy prep yesterday.

The academy has been home to girls of differing age and experience from a wide range of local clubs.

With both the women’s and U/19’s squads coming together to take part in the program that’s aimed at improving the skills and conditioning of the players in the lead up to the Women’s National Championships to be held in QLD on the 9-12th of June.

2008 Australian Schoolboy Captain Tim Auremi at the Australian Schoolboys team of the Century (Photo : Steve Montgomery)

Former Australian Schoolboy Captain Tim Auremi

NRL Victoria Pathways and Coaching Manager Tim Auremi said it’s been great to see programs like the Academy help the women’s game continue to grow in Victoria.

“We’re hoping that this program can help expose more females to an environment where they can potentially in the years ahead become part of either support or coaching staff for the next generation,” Auremi said.

“Have to say a big thanks for the effort of all the girls and to all the coaching staff and support staff for putting in the work to create a great learning environment.”

With weekly training sessions every Tuesday and Thursday based out at Mount Ridley and Hallam Secondary College, the squad has been able to learn from the number of experienced coaching and support staff available to them.

Head Coach of the women’s squad Brandon Taunoa said that despite the challenges that female rugby league in Victoria has faced over the past two years, there have been plenty of positives to take out of the program.

“Moving forward it’ll be good for the game especially in Melbourne as you never know there may be a women’s Melbourne storm team one day.

“For now it’s all about trying to build the comp, improve the girls skills and make sure they get the basics right because that’s what makes good players,” he said.

The academy is playing a key role in ensuring the squads are approaching this year’s national championships with a unified approach

Turn up to training girls

Dedicated strength and conditioning coaches Sonia De Rose and Rachel Pezzano looking to improve the squads performance in the gym and out on the field, to ensure they’ll be competitive against the other states despite a disrupted lead up to the season.

De Rose said that for the players that were regularly able to attend trainings, the coaching staff noticed a significant improvement.

“The girls that have been in attendance regularly have made some really good progress, we actually did some stats on that last week and sent out to the girls and it was really good what we saw was that they are getting towards a really strong level,” De Rose said.

With most of the girls being part of the program for the better part of a year, De Rose hopes that they can realise the potential impact they can have on other players in the hope to draw new talent in the future.

“It’s the girls back at club and community level that need to see this cause at the moment we just don’t have that nice flow of talent to the degree that we should,” she said.

“The resources are here, the coaches are here, the strength coaches, the wellness officers are here, we have nutrition going out to the girls, the context is here we just need the humans.”

The lack of rugby league action over the past two years has had a serious impact on the squads in the lead up to the 2022 season, with De Rose believing that many of the girls felt that they weren’t properly prepared.

Community football

“Community football was impacted because a lot of the girls weren’t getting consistency at the community footy level and a lot of them felt didn’t feel prepared or were underdone,” she said.

“A lot of the girls I spoke to were saying they weren’t feeling ready yet and that’s clearly because they weren’t getting that community sport.

“Looking ahead, we’ll send out programs and we’re going to do some testing once a month so the girls can get together as a group and see how everyone is going and we’ll probably see them in February or March as we ramp up preparations for nationals.”

NRL Victoria Female Academy Archives - OurFootyTeam

Victorian rugby league reaches record numbers

Victorian rugby league reaches record numbers

Victorian rugby league reaches record numbers

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It’s about blooding some of our young Victorian players

This was a great opportunity for the girls

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U17 Girls Lisa Fiaolo Cup

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Lisa Fiaola Cup strengthening women’s pathways

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Return of Lisa Fiaola Cup key to strengthening women’s pathways

Full Score Board

Round 1

Round 2

Round 3

Round 4

Round 5

ACTION PHOTO GALLERIES

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Rugby League Victoria Female Academy

Rugby League Victoria Female Academy ‘has created a great learning environment’

Author : Victorian Rugby League

Rugby League Victoria Female Academy ‘has created a great learning environment’

Former Australian Schoolboy Captain Tim Auremi

Turn up to training girls

Community football

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