I wonder when the Storm will actually develop some local juniors. They have been in the comp now for 20+ years and I'd be surprised if more than five Melbourne-born players have made their NRL team. They have failed to do what clubs are supposed to do: develop new talent.
Instead I read that they have snatched NSW's best Under 19 player, from the Hunter region. With Newcastle struggling how can the NRL continually allow Melbourne to buy juniors? Surely there should be a limit on how much a club can spend on kiddie recruitment.
Melbourne have been in the competition since 1998. Yes they have had a handful of actual Melbourne or Victorian born and bred local juniors in their time, but not one of them have ever played in a winning or losing GF for the club.
Here is the thing though ... the Storm will not have to rely on Melbourne or Victorian juniors for a long time to come. Why? Because if they had to rely on locals for the bulk of their juniors then they would be a bottom 8, most likely a bottom 4 side (the standard of league in Victoria outside of the Storm is less than Reserve Grade average at best. Seriously, the U/19 men's Origin sides from last night would wipe the floor with the Vics senior state team). But the crux is that having a poor performing Melbourne side in the NRL is bad for business.
Having them as a success while located in the very heart of the AFL's territory is not only good for business, its bragging rights. So to that end don't expect their junior system to change for a long time yet. Right now they're essentially the 4th Qld team, though with Redcliffe joining next year it'll be the 5th side. They are just not actually based in the state.