Storm sweeps up students at clinics

Jessica Benton
Rugby league could appear on the sports curriculums of local schools after primary students flocked to clinics with Melbourne Storm players.
Schools in Geelong and on the Bellarine Peninsula hosted the clinics in which students ran the length of football ovals with Storm players.
Our Lady Star of the Sea sports teacher Paul McDowell said the students were eager to learn about the sport, which is dominant over Aussies Rules in New South Wales and Queensland.
“It was the second clinic our students attended and we had more kids than we could send,” he said.
“It gave the kids an opening to rugby league outside and we’re trying to incorporate some forms of rugby into our sports program.
“The clinics are based on skills development and having a bit of fun with touch football.”
Ten-year-old Tom Harrison said he followed “the mighty Hawks” in AFL but enjoyed watching Storm games on TV.
“The clinic was fun and we got to do some drills and play some games. I watch it a bit on TV but Hawthorn is my favourite football team,” he said.