Frank Ponissi, the General Manager of Football for Melbourne Storm and long-time associate of coach Craig Bellamy, has firmly committed to his future at the club, despite interest from both the Brisbane Broncos and the Collingwood Magpies. Ponissi, often regarded as the key strategist behind Melbourne Storm’s sustained success, has extended his contract with the club for another five years, securing his role until the conclusion of the 2029 NRL season.
Ponissi’s influence on the Storm’s rise in the NRL is undeniable. Over his tenure of more than a decade, he has played a crucial role in Melbourne’s achievements, which include four NRL premierships and regular appearances in the finals series. His strategic vision, particularly in player development and long-term team building, has been central to the club’s dominance in Australian rugby league over the past 14 years.
Despite catching the attention of both the Brisbane Broncos and the Collingwood Magpies, Ponissi expressed his excitement and commitment to continuing the journey with Melbourne Storm. “I thoroughly enjoy and am highly motivated by the people I work with,” Ponissi said, emphasizing his enthusiasm to remain a core part of the club’s future. “I’m also exceptionally passionate about driving our Pathways Program, which we launched just over a year ago,” he added, highlighting his dedication to youth development.
Known for his profound expertise in talent development, Ponissi has significantly impacted the Storm’s youth and development programs. In the past year, he spearheaded the creation of a Victorian pathways program, aimed at nurturing local talent from grassroots levels up to the elite ranks of the NRL. His strategic approach has also led to the establishment of the Storm’s male pathways and junior representative programs, which are expected