Melbourne Storm today advised members and fans of changes to be made to fan engagement activities as a result of the ongoing response to COVID-19, or coronavirus.

We are monitoring - and will continue to monitor - the situation carefully and take advice daily from our club doctor, the NRL, government representatives, Melbourne and Olympic Parks and many others to help us plan for the season ahead.

As you would appreciate, we want to ensure we’re doing all we can to look after our players and make sure they are fit and healthy to take to the field this weekend against our rivals, Manly, at Brookvale Oval and beyond.

Our players also know there is no game without our members and fans. With that in mind, the Club is looking for your support and understanding as we make some changes to how we engage with our members and fans, including on game day, that emphasises the health and wellbeing of our players and staff.

Whilst we play our first two games away, we hope to see as many of our members and fans as possible at our first home game at AAMI Park when we take on the Panthers on Saturday March 28 – the first of three successive home games.

Should we win, our players will still make their way around the field after the game, as they do every home game, but will remain some distance from the fence line. In the short term, we have also asked our players to refrain from signing autographs, taking selfies and giving out a high-five. We will continue to review these changes as we get more advice from the experts and hope to return to our regular member and fan engagement levels and post-match celebration with fans soon.

Our members and fans are the most passionate in the league and we appreciate the fact you all love watching our team run out at AAMI Park. So, make sure you get behind our boys come March 28. If you are concerned about your health or feeling unwell, stay home and watch the team on TV or your device until you’re feeling better!

There is plenty of information about COVID-19 available online if you are concerned or have questions which can be found at:https://www.health.gov.au/news/health-alerts/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-health-alert

Thanks again for your support and we look forward to seeing you at AAMI Park soon.

Go Storm.