Purple Reign

10/09/2026

💛 TODAY IS R U OK? DAY 💛

Tag a mate who always has your back - and let them know you’ve got theirs too.

Five Eights Clothing Co and Purple Reign are proud advocates for mental health. Today is an important reminder to check in with the people around you, ask if they’re really okay and take the time to listen.

The statistics are confronting:

• 8.8 Australians take their own lives every day
• An estimated 55,000 Australians attempt su***de each year
• More than seven million Australian adults are close to someone who has died by su***de or attempted su***de

You don’t need to be an expert to make a difference. A simple, genuine conversation could help someone feel less alone.

The R U OK? website has some fantastic resources to help you start a conversation and support someone who may be struggling. We’ll pin the link in the comments.

Ask R U OK? Listen. Encourage action. Check in.

Together, we can break the silence and help make sure nobody walks alone. 💛💜

Five Eights Clothing Co × Purple Reign

If you or someone you know needs immediate support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14. If life is in danger, call 000.

PurpleReign

10/09/2026

🎉 HAPPY 20TH BIRTHDAY, JAI BOWDEN! 🎉

What a year it has been for the young gun - making his NRL debut and securing his future with Melbourne Storm until the end of 2030! 💜⚡

We can’t wait to watch Jai continue developing and earning more opportunities in the purple jersey.

Have an awesome day, Jai!

10/09/2026

💜 FAREWELL SERIES | COMING THIS WEEK 💜

Some goodbyes hit harder.

As the curtain comes down on 2026, 10 players are preparing to move on from Melbourne Storm - each leaving their own mark on the club and the purple jersey.

Over the next week, we’re going to shine the spotlight on each of them individually - looking back at their Storm journey, biggest moments, achievements and contribution to the club, while giving the Purple Reign community a chance to say thank you.

⚡ Lazarus Vaalepu
⚡ Will Warbrick
⚡ Nick Meaney
⚡ Tyran Wishart
⚡ Marion Seve
⚡ Keegan Russell-Smith
⚡ Joe Chan
⚡ Shawn Blore
⚡ Tui Kamikamica
⚡ Davvy Moale

Some were here for years. Some for a shorter chapter. Some became fan favourites. But every one of them pulled on the purple and became part of the Storm story.

So, when you see their farewell posts this week, get around them in the comments. Share your favourite memory, favourite game or simply leave them a message of thanks. 💜

👇 Which departure is going to hit you the hardest?

Melbourne Storm NRL

09/09/2026

🇳🇿 NEW ZEALAND ISN’T MUCKING AROUND!

The Kiwis have unveiled their extended squad for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup, which kicks off next month and it’s a squad sure to give Australia coach Kevin Walters and the other contenders plenty to think about.

Five current Melbourne Storm players have earned selection:

⚡ Joe Chan
⚡ Cooper Clarke
⚡ Jahrome Hughes
⚡ Alec MacDonald
⚡ Trent Toelau

They’ll also be joined by incoming Storm star Jamayne Isaako, giving Purple Reign fans another reason to get behind the Kiwis during the tournament.

Extended New Zealand squad:

Joe Chan (Storm)
Cooper Clarke (Storm)
Erin Clark (Warriors)
Phoenix Crossland (Knights)
James Fisher-Harris (Warriors)
Salesi Foketi (Roosters)
Jahrome Hughes (Storm)
Jamayne Isaako (Dolphins)
Josiah Karapani (Broncos)
Keano Kini (Titans)
Seb Kris (Raiders)
Jacob Laban (Warriors)
Moses Leota (Panthers)
Alec MacDonald (Storm)
Francis Manuleleua (Knights)*
Jeremy Marshall-King (Dolphins)
Te Maire Martin (Warriors)
Casey McLean (Panthers)
Thomas Mikaele (Cowboys)*
Ronaldo Mulitalo (Sharks)
Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad (Warriors)
Briton Nikora (Sharks)
Kodi Nikorima (Dolphins)
Isaiah Papalii (Panthers)
Fonua Pole (Tigers)
Kalyn Ponga (Knights)
Jordan Riki (Broncos)
Brandon Smith (Rabbitohs)
Scott Sorensen (Panthers)
Tanner Stowers-Smith (Warriors)
Joseph Tapine (Raiders)
Taine Tuaupiki (Warriors)
Leo Thompson (Bulldogs)
Matthew Timoko (Raiders)
Trent Toelau (Storm)
Dallin Watene-Zelezniak (Warriors)
Naufahu Whyte (Roosters)
Jack Williams (Eels)
Xavier Willison (Broncos)

How far can this Kiwis side go at the World Cup? 🇳🇿🏆

Melbourne Storm NRL

09/09/2026

🎉 HAPPY 29TH BIRTHDAY, NICK MEANEY! 🎉

Wishing a very happy birthday to a reliable and consistent member of the Melbourne Storm! 💜⚡️

Whether he’s slotting goals, breaking tackles or stepping up when the team needs him, Nick has delivered plenty of memorable moments in the purple jersey.

We hope you have a brilliant day, Nick, and wish you all the best as you begin the next chapter of your career with the Perth Bears next year. Once Storm, always Storm! 💜

Join us in wishing Nick a happy birthday below! 👇🎂


Melbourne Storm

09/09/2026

Sending a massive congratulations to Eli and Tui. From everyone at Purple Reign. What has been a really tough year for Eli has some really positive moments.

Best wishes for the future to a lovely couple. 💜

09/09/2026

🔥 AWARDS NIGHT FASHION 🔥

How good did everyone look at the Melbourne Storm Player of the Year Awards?! The threads were hot, the looks were fresh and the GlamBOT was no doubt working overtime. 📸✨

Hands up if you want Purple Reign on the red carpet next year, capturing all the fits and chatting with the stars! 🙋‍♂️🙋‍♀️

What do you reckon, RedZed - interested in a Purple Reign red-carpet collab? 👀💜

RedZed Melbourne Storm

09/09/2026

“MADE IN MELBOURNE”: WISHART’S EMOTIONAL FAREWELL

Tyran Wishart and his father Rod delivered an emotional address to the Melbourne Storm playing group ahead of Tyran’s 100th - and final -appearance in the purple jersey.

Reflecting on the sacrifices his son made to pursue an NRL career away from home, Rod thanked the Storm players and staff for becoming Tyran’s second family.

“For the last five years or so, you’ve been his family,” he said.

“We’ve watched Tyran grow into a good footballer, but more than that, a good bloke and a good teammate.

“Don’t take stuff like that for granted. Work hard, train hard and be a good teammate, and hopefully things will pay off.”

While Tyran’s next chapter will take him away from the Storm, his father said the milestone ensured his connection to Melbourne would remain forever.

“We can’t get away from the fact that he’s made in Melbourne. One hundred games for Melbourne is a tag that won’t go away.

“No matter what you do, he’s made in Melbourne. He’ll always have that tag, and he’ll wear it proudly.”

Wishart then spoke about what reaching 100 games for the Storm meant to him, thanking the club for giving him his first opportunity as a full-time footballer and his NRL debut.

“It’s something I’m really proud of, mainly because I got to do it for a club that I respect so much - a club that gave me so many opportunities,” Tyran said.

“They gave me my first opportunity to be a full-time footy player and handed me my first debut jersey.

“I’ve learned more about footy in the last five years than I ever have, but I’ve also had the opportunity to create lifelong friends.”

Addressing his teammates, Wishart echoed his father’s words.

“This is my family and has been for the last five years. There’s no group I’d rather line up alongside.”

With Nick Meaney and Shawn Blore also preparing for their final appearances, Wishart said the departing trio shared one final goal.

“The most important thing to us is getting a win and not taking for granted the opportunity to play in a purple jersey.”

One hundred games. Countless memories. Forever made in Melbourne. 💜

Melbourne Storm

09/09/2026

08/09/2026

🏆 FOUR STORM STARS IN THE RUNNING FOR PLAYERS’ CHAMPION 🏆

Sualauvi Fa’alogo, Stefano Utoikamanu, Harry Grant and Jahrome Hughes have been named as Melbourne Storm’s four contenders for the 2026 RLPA Players’ Champion award.

Widely regarded as one of rugby league’s most prestigious individual honours, the award is decided entirely by the players themselves.

Each NRL club has four representatives among the 68 contenders. Three are nominated by their club’s RLPA delegates, while the fourth is selected by an RLPA panel featuring current and former players.

Every contracted NRL player then votes for opposition contenders using a 3-2-1 system, with players unable to vote for their own teammates.

Fa’alogo has earned recognition following a spectacular breakout season, while Utoikamanu’s powerful performances through the middle have made him a standout in the Storm pack. Grant has once again led from the front, and Hughes remains among the competition’s elite playmakers.

Hughes claimed the prestigious award in 2024, while the inclusion of all four players this year is a strong acknowledgement of their individual contributions throughout Melbourne’s 2026 campaign.

The 2026 NRL Players’ Champion will be revealed live on Channel 9 on Monday, September 28.

Congratulations to all four Storm contenders! 💜⚡

Melbourne Storm NRL