Halifax RLFC & Melbourne Storm help Rugby League in Germany!

[Der Kaiser]

Pictured from left to right are: Dallas Johnson (Melbourne & Queensland), Simon Cooper (Bad Reichenhall & Germany) and Damian Gibson (Halifax & Wales)

Australian Champions Melbourne Storm and Halifax RLFC from Englands National League 1 are helping Rugby League develop in Germany. Rugby League Deutschlands President, Simon Cooper met officials from both clubs recently, on a visit to the UK. The visit saw him in attendance as Halifax RLFC took on Melbourne Storm at The Shay. Halifax RLFC donated DVDs, Rugby balls as well as some merchandise to Raffle off including a signed ball. Also Halifax Star player, Damian Gibson offered his experience in helping develop the sport amongst teenagers in Germany, as he is involved at developing Rugby League at Calderdale College, as well as Schools in the Halifax area. Gibson who is a current Welsh International said " I have seen the great work being done in Wales and the development work going on there and its fantastic to see the game now developing in Germany. I see it as an honour to be able to help out where I can in helping the game grow"
Melbourne Storm will also look to help Rugby League Deutschland. Queensland and Melbourne Storm star, Dallas Johnson, who was captain in the Storms game against Halifax, as well as World Club Challenge match against European Champions Leeds Rhinos said "Its great to come to Europe and hear about the game developing in such places as Germany, Serbia, Czech Republic and Russia as well as playing against Leeds and Halifax." Melbourne Storms Football Operations manager Frank Ponissi added "We are very glad to help out Germany. We are similar to Germany in that we are in a development area for Rugby League in Australia and also there are a number of people in the Melbourne area who have German heritage. We are very happy to help out Rugby League Deutschland in any way that we can" Rugby League Deutschland received a signed ball to Raffle off from Melbourne Storm and will receive additional items in the future including DVDs, Rugby balls, Posters etc.