Melbourne Storm has named a 26-player squad for Friday night’s pre-season challenge game against the Canberra Raiders at Seiffert Oval in Queanbeyan.
Coached by Mark Russell, with Head Coach Craig Bellamy in attendance, Storm’s opening pre-season fixture for 2026 features an exciting mix of emerging talent from the Club’s pathway system alongside a handful of senior players.
Hugo Peel will get his first opportunity at fullback, with the Victorian lining up alongside wingers Luke Cesari and Siulagi Tuimalatu-Brown. Marion Seve and Moses Leo are named in the centres, while Eli Morris and Jordan Hamlin combine in the halves.
Storm fans will also get their first look at new signings Davvy Moale and Jack Hetherington, who will join a forward pack that includes Gabriel Satrick, Ativalu Lisati, Cooper Clarke and the experienced Trent Loiero.
The bench features a promising mix of NSW Cup, development and academy players who have impressed throughout pre-season and earned their chance to pull on the purple jersey.
Storm’s next pre-season challenge game will be against the Gold Coast Titans on Saturday 21 February at Sunshine Coast Stadium, with a more experienced NRL line-up expected to be named.