The Victorian Government’s strict lockdown restrictions has thwarted a preferred move for the Melbourne Storm team to use Yarrawonga Mulwala as a training hub prior to the resumption of the NRL season.
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But all is not lost with the Storm set to repay the community back early next year.
Club officials were forced to send the team to Albury Thunder’s Greenfield Park this week instead of the preferred JC Lowe Oval due to a failed attempt to get an exemption to train on the Pigeons’ oval, just a short walk from their proposed temporary living base in NSW at the Yarrawonga Mulwala Golf Club Resort.
Current director, shareholder and Yarrawonga local Matt Tripp, who takes over as chairman of the Storm by the end of May, was keen to see the team train in his home-town but confirmed the team’s Albury move on Monday.
“Based on Victorian’s state of emergency restrictions and advice from the Health Minister we had no choice but to have all our training procedures located in NSW and Albury was the next best option,” Matt told the Chronicle.
“The local community have been very accommodating and supportive, we thank the Yarrawonga Football Netball Club (YFNC) for all the work they have done along with the golf club.
“Yarrawonga Mulwala was by far the number one choice of all towns along the Murray River provided we could walk across the weir bridge to train at JC Lowe Oval,” Matt said.
But he has promised it won’t be the last time the Storm will aim to visit Yarrawonga Mulwala.
“We will look to thank the local community for their support by organising a pre-season match or camp early next year sometime.
YFNC President Ross Mulquiney said the club had committed significant resources to attract the Melbourne Storm to train and stay in Yarrawonga Mulwala.
“Unfortunately, the Victorian State Government would not provide special dispensation to use the JC Lowe Oval despite it being locked down and an isolated venue.
“We are disappointed; however, we are more disappointed not to have been able to use this (opportunity) as a mechanism to support our sponsors and the broader community. Undoubtedly, the Storm would have showcased our region and provided significant exposure.
“I would like to acknowledge the great co-operation and working relationship with the Melbourne Storm, in particular Matt Tripp championing his home-town.
“Also, the huge efforts NESD (Andrew Mott), Mawson’s Concrete, Kennedy Builders (Chris Kennedy and Michael Stevens) and STF Engineering (Shane Forge) to have up and ready in record time a suitable training venue.”
Melbourne Storm CEO Dave Donaghy said on Monday Storm’s training base in Albury would be re-assessed at the end of the first week.
“We would like to thank the Victorian Government for the consideration they gave to having our team remain in Victoria, but ultimately we understand why that is not possible at this time,” he said.
“Our thanks also go to everyone at Albury who has helped us with arrangements for this camp, as well as the various people we have been in contact with at Mulwala-Yarrawonga, which ultimately was not possible due to the location of the training oval.
“As challenging as it may be, the team will head to Albury with a positive mindset and use the camp as a way to reconnect with each other after a six-week hiatus.
“Of course, we will continue discussions with the Government about options in Victoria beyond then and we hope to return to AAMI Park soon.”
The Storm training group will include 32 players, including all 29 members of the NRL squad, plus 18 football department staff. They will operate in accordance with the NRL’s strict biosecurity protocols which were compiled by one of Australia’s leading biosecurity experts, Associate Professor David Heslop.
“This will be unlike any camp the club has ever done previously and our players are already well aware of that.
“And while we know we have many members and fans in the Albury region, unfortunately, because of the strict restrictions, our players and training venue will be off limits to the public.
“We’re sure they will understand the reasons why and like us are very much looking forward to the season recommencing at the end of the month.”
