'They were always thinking about us and playing for us': Fans on supporting the Storm

This is Part 15 of my series, speaking with fans from all NRL sides to see what it’s really like to support their team. This week, the Melbourne Storm.

From their induction into the competition in 1997, the Storm have always been in the headlines.

Click here to see each of Danielle’s NRL fan preview reports.

Whether it be for the highs of winning grand finals and producing superstars like Copper Cronk, Billy Slater and Cameron Smith, or for the lows like salary cap infringements and recreational drug use.

But through it all, their fans have been there. Remaining loyal, defending their team during the bad and celebrating with them during the good.

I spoke to two of those passionate supporters, Hayley and Sally.

Hayley explained, “I grew up in Penrith, so I’ve always watched NRL, but never supported a particular team. It wasn’t until around 2012 watching the QLD Big Four – Slater, Cronk, Smith and the Cowboys’ Johnathon Thurston – that I really started following the Storm.”

Being Victorian, Sally only started watching rugby league in 2002 and began following Melbourne in 2003. “I saw Billy Slater and Matt King on the Footy Show. I realised this was my local team and I could actually go to games. I have only missed two home games (minus the Covid times) since. I been a member every year since 2005.

“The best part about being a Storm fan is you are always guaranteed an interesting game. The team always plays its heart out. Also, the players get to know their fans and really remember you. Christian Welch did a charity night and he got to know everyone who came. Now when he sees us, he asks how we are. There are a few other guys in the team who are the same.

“The worst part would be other clubs’ fans still bringing up the salary cap issues. Also how stressed I get watching a game – I just can’t sit still!”

For Hayley, the best part about being a Storm fan has been the friendships and connections made. “I moved to Melbourne in 2018 and didn’t know anyone. Being able to connect with other fans over our love of footy and the Storm has been amazing. Even more so over the last two years because living alone during lockdown was tough and having friends to talk to every week helped immensely.

“The worst part? It does get tough to hear the same old nasty commentary every year about the Storm ‘cheating’, from both fans and some media commentators.”

While I didn’t come with nasty comments, it was a topic I did want to ask about. The club had their 2007 and 2009 premiership titles stripped away due to salary cap breaches. As fans, they defend their club. But how does the cheating scandal actually sit with them?

“This is a bit of divisive topic among Storm fans,” Hayley admitted.

“Personally, the club did commit serious salary cap violations and deserved to have the premierships stripped. Some argue that other clubs have done the same thing and received less punishment (which isn’t fair) but that doesn’t mean Storm should have theirs reinstated. The one thing I disagree with was not allowing us to play for points in the 2010 season. What point is there going out and putting in effort every week for no result?

“It is what it is,” added Sally. “Melbourne did the wrong thing, got caught, paid the price and were wiped from the record books – and I hate it.

“As much as the league and other team’s supporters want to forget the Storm won those premierships, it will never be forgotten by us fans.”

Another topic opposing supporters give crap to Storm fans about is Cameron Smith. He would cop a lot of criticism for ‘allegedly’ getting in the referees ear and getting calls to go his way. Did the ladies think that was a fair assessment or was he harshly judged?

Billy Slater and Cameron Smith (Photo by Robert Prezioso/Getty Images)

“I can understand from an opposition perspective that he appeared to be influencing the referees,” admitted Hayley.

“But I think that he knew when to pick his battles, and he was always respectful when putting his argument forward rather than screaming that every decision was wrong. He played the game for 19 years; he’s got a brilliant understanding of the rules and uses that to his advantage to argue his points.”

“I think the criticism of Cam was way over the top,” added Sally. “Most of the time yes, he got away with a lot but so do a lot of other players. Cam is a legend; criticism will always come to players that are the best and play well.”

Like the New Zealand Warriors, The Storm have been away from home for a long time due to Covid 19. The ladies are both incredibly proud of what their team have sacrificed.

“I’m prouder though of their response when asked about it during media conferences or after games. They would always say that it’s tough but admitted people back home in Victoria were doing it a lot tougher. They didn’t complain because they were getting paid to play the game they love. I knew they were always thinking about us and playing for us.”

“I also think it was hard for their families left back in Melbourne,” added Sally.

Some big names recently left the club in Dale Finucane, Josh Addo-Carr and Nicho Hynes. Brandon Smith, the Bromwich brothers, and Felise Kaufusi leave at the end of this season. Why are there so many players leaving Melbourne, and how will the club move forward without them?

“I think Storm are in a rebuilding phase,” explained Sally. “They are looking at their younger players, getting them ready to take over from the players who have left or will soon leave.”

“There’s a few reasons,” added Hayley. “Melbourne’s consistent high standards, performance and development make our players attractive to other clubs who want to emulate that success.

Also, the club doesn’t hold players back from a starting opportunity in their preferred position elsewhere if the Storm can’t give it to them, like Scott Drinkwater, Brandon Smith and Nicho Hynes.

Finally, most of our players move from their homes to play for Storm so when they miss loved ones, they want to move back.

“It is a little daunting to lose so many players, but I have faith in the club’s next man up mentality and recruitment strategy, and the leadership programs in place to replace the senior leadership we’re losing. Reserve players know when to step up and Storm also rarely recruit a player who doesn’t turn out successful.”

(Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

Despite the players leaving, there is still a plethora of talent left wearing purple. Who are the fans expecting big things from this year?

“Cam Munster looks like he is in for a huge year,” replied Sally.” He looks fit and mentally fresh after his stint in rehab. I’m also excited to see how Xavier Coates and Josh King go. Josh won the infamous ‘I don’t quit camp’ so he comes with big wraps from the coaches. There’s Jayden Nikorima and of course Jahrome Hughes. I can’t wait to see if he can back up the season he had last year.”

Hayley agrees Coates will have a big season. “With the right coaching, I’m confident he could become one of the best wingers in the game.”

Speaking of coaching, I usually ask fans if they are happy with their coach, and if they think they are the right man for their club. Not really questions I thought would apply to Storm fans.

“Bellamy is a legend,” Sally said proudly. He has created a culture that Melbourne will never lose while he is around. I also find it amazing how many coaches have come from under Bellamy. I was hoping Jason Ryles would come back to coach here, but I’m hearing good things about Marc Brentall, I’ll keep watching him rise through the ranks and see where he goes.”

“I don’t think words can describe how much love and appreciation I have for Craig,” admitted Hayley. “Many only see the man screaming in the coaches box every week but they don’t see his passion for the club and relationships with players behind the scenes. You only have to hear the players talk about him to see how much they love and respect him.”

I asked the ladies who their favourite past and present Storm players were.

“I have two of each!” Sally laughed.

“Past – Billy Slater and Cameron Smith. Billy because he is the nicest guy ever and obviously an amazing player. Cameron because in 2013 I went to the U.K for the World Cup and happened to book the same hotel as the Aussie team. Cam recognised me and let me hold (with his help) the World Cup.

(Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

“My two favourites now are Christian Welch and Kenny Bromwich. I’ve followed them both from when they started at the Thunderbolts. They are down to earth and love to have a chat with us fans.”

Smith was also Hayley’s favourite past player.

“He was the reason I fell in love with rugby league. It wasn’t until Christian Welch came along in 2016 that it changed. For the last few years, I’ve watched Christian’s progression closely from coming off the bench, to becoming an Origin winner and starting prop in a premiership winning side. His dedication and professionalism on the field is only matched by his generosity and warmth off it. Every time we see him after games, he’s always got a big smile on his face and makes sure he comes over and says hi.”

The ladies are looking forward to this season, and Hayley is especially excited for games to be back in Melbourne.

“There’s nothing quite like a Storm crowd at AAMI Park. I’m also keen to see how our rookies step up as well as how the new buys of Coates and Meaney fit into the Storm system.”

“I expect the Storm to drop a bit from last year,” admitted Sally. “But I’m excited to see how all our teams go, and of course I’m looking forward to having the whole club back in Melbourne.”

And as always, if they could say anything to the team, what would it be?

Hayley wanted them to know how appreciative she was. “Thank you for constantly lifting up us fans. The last few years have been tough for many, particularly in Victoria. Even though we couldn’t attend home games, you played with heart for us every week and it always gave us something to look forward to.”

“I am proud of you no matter what happens this year,” replied Sally. “I’m excited to see you play and excited to have you back at home. Play your best and leave it all on the paddock. Enjoy your games and I’ll see you in Sydney in October!

“Those that can bend with the wind, can weather the storm”.

Melbourne seems to be able to withstand any deluge and remain one of the competition’s top teams.

But the love and loyalty they give to their fans is the main reason they will always receive that love and loyalty straight back.