The Melbourne Storm, one of the NRL’s most prominent clubs, has announced it will scale back its Welcome to Country ceremonies, a decision that has sparked concern and disdain.
In a statement released this week, the club sought to clarify earlier reports that the practice would be dispensed with completely, confirming that they will continue to hold Welcome ceremonies at ‘culturally significant’ events.
“Melbourne Storm is not ‘ditching’ its Welcome to Country or acknowledgements as suggested by recent media,” the statement read.
“We will continue these acknowledgements at culturally significant celebrations.”
The decision to drop the ceremonies from regular games came quietly late in the 2024 season, with the club now officially confirming the change.
Yorta Yorta rapper Briggs has publicly criticised the football club’s decision on social media.
The 38-year-old artist voiced his concerns on X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook, drawing attention to what he perceives as a lack of genuine cultural recognition and committment from the club.
In his initial post on X, Briggs took aim at the club’s financial priorities.
“See, the cost of living means cultural recognition is just not viable in this economy. There’s a price for cultural inclusion. Storm could do it if they wanted; if anyone knows how to work a salary cap – it’s them.”
Briggs followed up by questioning the club’s identity and motivations.
“Unsurprising & underwhelming,” he wrote.
“What’s your identity @Storm? I could care less about pageantry but the thin veil of respect is finally gone.”
He also referenced a controversial issue involving part-owner Brett Ralph of the Storm.
“We revealed a part owner $175,000 donated to the NO campaign. What’s a welcome worth when these are the people who are behind the decisions & identity of the club?”
Others have taken to social media to express a similar sentiment.
Melbourne Storm’s revised approach comes amid Peter Dutton’s announcement that he will refuse to stand in front of the Aboriginal flag during official government press conferences if elected.
It remains to be seen whether other sporting clubs or organisations will follow suit in reconsidering the place of Welcome to Country ceremonies in their events.