Staff in Storm hub ‘just have to make this work’
MELBOURNE Storm submitted three rounds of screening for COVID-19 and a blood test in six days to complete a whirlwind Queensland relocation.
The Storm “bubble” – made up of 55 players and essential football staff – was tested in Sydney last Thursday, then on Sunday at Twin Waters, Sunshine Coast and again on Wednesday.
All 165 COVID-19 came back negative.
Under Queensland Government protocols, any Storm family members and extra staff moving to the hub must be tested three times – on days one, seven and 14 – of the mandatory quarantine period.
Players and staff inside the “bubble” are tested weekly.
The relocated contingent adhere to strict hygiene and daily temperature checks. tests
Storm general manager of football Frank Ponissi said settling into the new normal was one of the biggest challenges.
“It’s all different (the testing and quarantine periods), a real juggling act,” Ponissi said.
“So many different things we’re not used to but it’s trying to make life as normal as possible.
“In a very challenging year, the last 7-10 days has been the most challenging by a country mile. Now we’re settled it’s important we try to make this as normal as we possibly can. We have to make it work.”
Being able to invite partners and children to the hub has smoothed the Storm’s Melbourne to Sunshine Coast transition.
The potential for remote learning for the children, once school holidays finish, has already been discussed with Storm resigned to spending a long time in Queensland.
“It’s a big property here … you can actually get away and I think that’s important,” Ponissi said.
“We’re a real close-knit team and football club but you need your space.
“When you leave AAMI Park most of the time you go home, so you get that separate time. We don’t want to be 24/7 (football), we need to switch on and switch off.”