The Melbourne Storm has confirmed the departure of NSW Cup head coach Mark Russell, who will re-locate to Sydney to pursue a new coaching opportunity next season.
Russell was involved in the Jersey Flegg system since his arrival at the club in 2023 and was later promoted to head coach and pathways duties in 2024.
Last year the side claimed the minor premiership, sitting with 17 wins and six losses at the end of the regular season, then later toppled Penrith to win the Grand Final in the Storm's first Under 21s title triumph.
He was promoted to head coach of the NSW Cup team for this year's campaign after his excellence in the junior pathways, with eight of his Flegg playing members reaching NRL level under his consistent guidance.
It includes Cooper Clarke, Siulagi Tuimalatu-Brown, Jai Bowden, Angus Hinchey, Hugo Peel and more.
Russell is heavily involved in the Storm's latest pathways program, 'Road to AAMI Park', which serves as a Victorian native academy and direct pathway into the NRL system to play for the club.
The departing coach farewelled the club and thanked them for his time in purple.
“I will be forever grateful for my time at Melbourne Storm and in particular the way my family has been accepted with open arms," Russell said in a Storm statement.
“The past four years have been extremely rewarding in terms of players moving through our program and of course having some on field success. I hope that my time here has been of benefit to our pathway's players, staff, and program in general.
“There are too many people to thank, however I must thank Frank for giving me the opportunity to work in such an amazing club and Matt Duffie for the four years of coaching together making everyday a pleasure to be here.”
Melbourne Storm head of football Frank Ponissi was full of praise for Russell's service for the club.
“Mark has contributed enormously to our Pathways Program, and our pathways is in far better shape today than it was in late 2022 when he first arrived and we will be forever grateful,” Ponissi said.
“We wish Mark and his wife Wendy the very best with their move back to Sydney and for Mark's new coaching opportunity in 2027. We thank them both for their outstanding contribution to Melbourne Storm.”
