Two Albury Thunder youngsters are raving about the opportunity of a lifetime at NRL powerhouse Melbourne Storm.
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Mason Fuller and Ty Fletcher were the first players to train with the club under a new partnership confirmed last month.
Two players will travel to the Storm for a two-week period every off-season.
Centre Ty Fletcher was opposed to lightweight fullback sensation Ryan Papenhuyzen.
"I was against Ryan and we went at each other for a bit, for a little fella, he's super strong," he suggested of one of the game's most exciting players.
Meanwhile, five-eighth Mason Fuller was used as a step ladder by Queensland State of Origin winger Xavier Coates.
"I put a 'speccie pad' on and he was jumping over the top of me, taking 'speccies', he puts in the effort, always doing extras," he said.
Fuller, who is a big 'bush' five-eighth at 188cms and 96kgs, learnt numerous aspects of the game.
"There were different tackling techniques, learning how to be more dominant and controlling the opposition and get them in the position you want," he revealed.
"They focus on the small things, even when you're a kid, you're learning how to pass but, even in the NRL, they do it.
"And they did a lot of sprinting drills, with more efficient running techniques."
The Storm and Roosters are regarded as the most professional clubs in the NRL, with Fletcher impressed with the former's attention to detail.
"The club stressed your first effort should be your best effort all the time," he explained.
The club stressed your first effort should be your best effort all the time.
- Ty Fletcher on the Melbourne Storm
"The defensive strategies, they didn't want anyone running through you, you were always protected by the player on your inside shoulder.
"And the nutritionist told you how to eat well and prepare yourself for training and games so you get the most out of your body."
The Storm also invited new president Herb Stratton and ex-boss Rick O'Connell.
"You can see why everybody considers the club such a great organisation," Stratton praised.
Because the players are away from families in NSW and Queensland, the Storm has developed a reputation as a family club.
"They made us feel like one of their own, they treated everybody the same," Fuller enthused.
General manager of football Frank Ponissi will speak at the Thunder's function on February 9, with the player to be confirmed.
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And in other news, Ethan Schultz was presented with his NSWRL Inclusive Volunteer of the Year award by NSW coach Brad Fittler.
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