The Fiji Times

Storm fans fly in for match

- By ANASILINI NATOGA

A GROUP of 140 Melbourne Storm executive club members touched down in the country on Thursday night, building anticipati­on for the highly awaited match against the New Castle Knights scheduled for today.

Ross Patison, the General Manager of Football Operations for Melbourne Storm, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “The fans have arrived in the country and are already immersing themselves in sightseein­g activities, gearing up for the match,” Patison said.

The Storm organizati­on has gone above and beyond by organizing the executive members’ visit and covering the expenses for their tickets for today’s game.

“As part of their membership benefits, they come over to Fiji, and we host them at the game on Saturday. The 140 executive members have already begun exploring the sights and savoring the warm Fijian hospitalit­y,” Patison elaborated.

Storm’s head coach, Craig Bellamy, radiates excitement for the upcoming event.

“This marks the inaugural NRL match to be played in Fiji, and we’re grateful to Fiji Airways, our generous sponsor for this trip, for welcoming the Storm family,” Bellamy expressed.

The coach singled out Tui Kamikamica, praising not just his on-field prowess but also commending the significan­t impact he makes off the field. The team comprehend­s the gravity of the match for the Somosomo native from Taveuni.

“Tui is a valuable player just like other Fijian boys who have represente­d the Storm Marika Koroibete, Suliasi Vunivalu they were outstandin­g for us, they were wonderful athlete.

“We know how important the match for Tui is coming back, its quite emotional for him,” Bellamy added.

“Tui works hard off the field, he is a very humble player he put in a lot of effort setting good example for the young Fijian young guys coming through.”

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