May 5, 2018

The Rugby League State and Community Centre will be built at the Johnstone Street Reserve. Picture: Jonathan Demos

BROADMEADOWS will become the rugby league capital of Victoria after scoring a $12 million training centre and the home base for Melbourne Storm’s future women’s team.

The Rugby League State and Community Centre will host training camps, state league matches, local and touch football competitions, as well as Melbourne Storm community initiatives.

It will also become the new home for NRL Victoria, currently based at AAMI Park, and the Storm women’s side.

In the wake of the inaugural National Women’s Premiership this year, the centre will provide facilities and participation pathways for women as Storm begins their push for a future licence.

The site at Johnstone Street Reserve will include new playing fields and high-performance facilities under the deal announced in this week’s state budget.

Melbourne Storm chief executive Dave Donaghy said the centre would deliver programs ranging from grassroots to the elite, for both men and women, significantly enhancing the chances of creating more home grown rugby league stars.

Rugby league in Victoria has experienced enormous growth over the past decade, with participation rates increasing by more than 300 per cent.

Almost one in five players across the state are female.

Broadmeadows state Labor MP Frank McGuire said he was delighted his electorate would to host the centre.

“Broadmeadows is the new field of dreams for Melbourne Storm, which has the discipline, teamwork and commitment it takes to build a world championship club,” he said.

“The Rugby League State and Community Centre will inspire today’s youth and future generations and build community cohesion.”

Hume Mayor Geoff Porter said the council was proud to provide the land for the centre and to work in partnership to deliver the world class sporting facilities.

“Our community deserves access to the best sporting facilities and this future centre will provide residents with access to an elite facility like no other,” he said.

The construction time frame is yet to be determined.

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